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Li GY, Li Y, Liu H. Distribution patterns of Phytoseiulus persimilis in response to climate change. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:4800-4809. [PMID: 38837311 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The biological control agent Phytoseiulus persimilis is a commercialized specialist predator of two agricultural pest mite species Tetranychus urticae and Tetranychus evansi. Biocontrol of these pest species by P. persimilis has achieved success in biological control in some areas. However, the lack of precise information about the influence of global climate change on the worldwide distribution of this biocontrol agent hampers international efforts to manage pest mites with P. persimilis. With 276 occurrence records and 19 bioclimatic variables, this study investigated the potential global distribution of P. persimilis. RESULTS The results demonstrated that the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model performed well, with the area under the curve being 0.956, indicating the high accuracy of this model. Two variables, the minimum temperature of the coldest month (Bio_6) and precipitation of the coldest quarter (Bio_19) were the most important environmental variables that influenced the distribution of P. persimilis, contributing more than 30% to the model, respectively. The suitable area currently occupies 21.67% of the world's land area, spanning latitudes between 60°S and 60°N. Under shared socio-economic pathway (SSP) 5-8.5 (high-carbon emissions), the low suitable area would increase by 1.31% until the 2050s. CONCLUSION This study successfully identified that south-eastern China, parts of countries in the Mediterranean coastal regions, including Libya, Algeria, Portugal, Spain, and France, are climatically favorable regions for P. persimilis, providing valuable information about the potential areas where it can be effectively exploited as biocontrol agents in classical biological control programs to manage pest spider mites environmentally friendly. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang-Yun Li
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuchuang Li
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huai Liu
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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Wang Q, Yang B, Zhu R, Wang X, Li S, Zhang L. Unveiling the Biodiversity and Conservation Significance of Medog: A Camera-Trapping Survey on Mammals in the Southeastern Tibetan Mountains. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2188. [PMID: 39123714 PMCID: PMC11311013 DOI: 10.3390/ani14152188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The Medog in southeastern Tibet is home to a diverse range of wild animals. However, research on these mammals' species directories, distribution, and conservation status remains insufficient, despite their crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. The study carried out a camera-trapping survey to assess mammal biodiversity and the significance of mammal protection in their natural habitats in Gedang, Medog. Future directions and application prospects of the study for wildlife conservation in the southeastern Tibetan mountains were also discussed. The survey, spanning from April 2023 to May 2024, with 19,754 camera trap days, revealed 25 mammalian species across five orders and 14 families. Among these, four classified as Endangered, five as Vulnerable, two as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, nine were categorized as Critically Endangered or Endangered on the Red List of China's Vertebrates, and seven were China's national first-class key protected wildlife. The order Carnivora exhibited the highest diversity, comprising 12 species. Furthermore, the study filled the knowledge gap regarding the underrepresentation of Gongshan muntjac Muntiacus gongshanensis in IUCN and provided new insights into the recorded coexistence of the Himalayan red panda Ailurus fulgens and Chinese red panda Ailurus styani along the Yarlung Zangbo River for the first time, and also documented new upper elevation limits for four large to medium-sized species. Regarding the relative abundance indices (RAI) captured by camera traps, the most prevalent species identified was the White-cheeked macaque Macaca leucogenys, followed by the Gongshan muntjac and Himalayan serow Capricornis thar. The monitoring also captured a number of domestic dogs and livestock, as well as human disturbances. These findings underscore the importance of conserving these mammals and emphasize the need for conservation efforts to protect their habitats and reduce human activities that threaten their survival, thereby maintaining the ecological balance of the region. Additionally, the research highlighted Gedang's significance to global conservation efforts for mammalian diversity, providing essential data for effective wildlife conservation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Ecological Engineering, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; (Q.W.); (L.Z.)
| | - Biao Yang
- College of Life Sciences, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637001, China
- Society of Entrepreneurs and Ecology (SEE) Foundation, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Ruifeng Zhu
- Sichuan Zoological Society, Chengdu 610065, China; (R.Z.); (X.W.); (S.L.)
| | - Xin Wang
- Sichuan Zoological Society, Chengdu 610065, China; (R.Z.); (X.W.); (S.L.)
| | - Shilin Li
- Sichuan Zoological Society, Chengdu 610065, China; (R.Z.); (X.W.); (S.L.)
| | - Li Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Ecological Engineering, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; (Q.W.); (L.Z.)
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Malla R, Panthi S, Adhikari H, Pariyar S, Baral R, Subedi R, Adhikari BP, Poudel M, Sedhai N, Poudel M. Habitat suitability of four threatened Himalayan species: Asiatic black bear, common leopard, musk deer, and snow leopard. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16085. [PMID: 37780372 PMCID: PMC10538300 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Biodiversity conservation is becoming challenging day by day. For this, it is essential to understand the distribution, habitat, and impact of anthropogenic activities on animals at risk. We assessed the suitable habitats and anthropogenic impacts on Asiatic black bears, common leopards, musk deer, and snow leopards in and outside the protected areas of Gandaki Province, Nepal. Methods We collected the presence locations of Asiatic black bears, common leopards, musk deer, and snow leopards based on scats and other signs. We employed the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) tool to identify suitable habitats of our studied species and their anthropogenic impacts on them. Results The total suitable habitat of the common leopard was found to be 6,052 km2, followed by the Asiatic black bear (5,819 km2), snow leopard (4,447 km2), and musk deer (1,690 km2) in Gandaki Province. Most of the areas of suitable habitat for common leopards and Asiatic black bears were outside the protected areas, and for musk deer and snow leopards were inside the protected areas. Elevation was the most important variable determining habitat suitability of Asiatic black bear, common leopard, and musk deer, whereas the distance to water was the most important variable determining habitat suitability of snow leopard. Asiatic black bears, common leopards, and musk deer face significant anthropogenic impacts, but snow leopards face some anthropogenic impacts. Conclusion Managing these animals' habitats inside and outside protected areas is essential. Hence, biodiversity conservation and livelihood opportunities should be balanced in the Himalayas on a win-win basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Malla
- Forest Research and Training Center, Pokhara, Nepal
| | - Saroj Panthi
- Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forests and Environment, Gandaki Province, Pokhara, Nepal
| | - Hari Adhikari
- Department of Geosciences and Geography, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Shiva Pariyar
- Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forests and Environment, Gandaki Province, Pokhara, Nepal
| | - Rishi Baral
- National Trust for Nature Conservation, Annapurna Conservation Area, Pokhara, Nepal
| | | | | | | | | | - Megharaj Poudel
- Division Forest Office, Nawalpur, Nawalparsi (Bardaghat Susta East), Kawasoti, Nepal
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Bista D, Baxter GS, Hudson NJ, Murray PJ. Seasonal resource selection of an arboreal habitat specialist in a human-dominated landscape: a case study using red panda. Curr Zool 2022; 69:1-11. [PMID: 36974152 PMCID: PMC10039176 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoac014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Human dominated landscapes provide heterogeneous wildlife habitat. Conservation of habitat specialists, like red pandas Ailurus fulgens, inhabiting such landscapes is challenging. Therefore information on resource use across spatial and temporal scales could enable informed-decision making with better conservation outcomes. We aimed to examine the effect of geo-physical, vegetation, and disturbance variables on fine-scale habitat selection of red pandas in one such landscape. We equipped 10 red pandas with GPS collars in eastern Nepal in 2019 and monitored them for one year. Our analysis was based on a generalized-linear-mixed model. We found the combined effect of geo-physical, vegetation and disturbance variables resulted in differences in resource selection of red pandas and that the degree of response to these variables varied across seasons. Human disturbances, especially road and cattle herding activities, affected habitat utilization throughout the year whereas other variables were important only during restricted periods. For instance, geo-physical variables were influential in the premating and cub-rearing seasons while vegetation variables were important in all seasons other than premating. Red pandas selected steeper slopes with high solar insolation in the premating season while they occupied elevated areas and preferred specific aspects in the cub-rearing season. Furthermore, the utilized areas had tall bamboo in the birthing and cub-rearing seasons while they also preferred diverse tree species and high shrub cover in the latter. Our study demonstrates the significance of season-specific management, suggests the importance of specific types of vegetation during biologically crucial periods, and emphasizes the necessity to minimize disturbances throughout the year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damber Bista
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton QLD 4343, Australia
| | - Greg S Baxter
- School of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of Southern Queensland, West St, Darling Heights QLD 4350, Australia
| | - Nicholas J Hudson
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton QLD 4343, Australia
| | - Peter J Murray
- School of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of Southern Queensland, West St, Darling Heights QLD 4350, Australia
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Adhikari B, Baral K, Bhandari S, Szydlowski M, Kunwar RM, Panthi S, Neupane B, Koirala RK. Potential risk zone for anthropogenic mortality of carnivores in Gandaki Province, Nepal. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8491. [PMID: 35136552 PMCID: PMC8809436 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic pressures in human-dominated landscapes often contribute to wildlife mortality. Carnivores are especially vulnerable to human-induced mortality due to the perceived threat to livestock and humans. Despite having widespread conservation implications, carnivore mortality data have been largely underutilized within Nepal. This study utilized Maxent to identify high-risk areas and explore the contribution of habitat attributes associated with carnivore mortality using the casualty database within the Gandaki province of central Nepal. We categorized the risk to carnivore species in three taxonomic groups, Felid, Viverridae, and Herpestidae, and identified a 3704-km2 area within the province at high risk for carnivore casualty. The middle mountains were the riskiest physiographic zone, and the Annapurna Conservation Area represented the largest risk zone among the four protected areas. Agricultural land was the most problematic area in terms of carnivore casualty. The human population was positively associated with high-risk areas and the number of casualties, whereas protected area cover had a negative association. This study identified that the common leopard was at the highest risk of mortality and therefore would benefit from the implementation of an action plan and species-specific conservation strategies, especially within identified high-risk zones. An expansion of protected areas in the middle mountain region would serve to greatly reduce carnivore casualty. Species distribution modeling can be further used with national-level spatial and temporal mortality data to identify the most prominent casualty times and pinpoint potential casualty locations throughout the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binaya Adhikari
- Institute of ForestryTribhuvan UniversityPokharaNepal
- Pokhara Zoological Park & Wildlife Rescue CenterKaskiNepal
| | - Kedar Baral
- Division Forest OfficeKaskiNepal
- School of Natural and Computational ScienceMassey UniversityAucklandNew Zealand
| | | | | | | | - Saroj Panthi
- Ministry of Forest, Environment and Soil ConservationPokharaNepal
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Bista D, Baxter GS, Hudson NJ, Lama ST, Weerman J, Murray PJ. Movement and dispersal of a habitat specialist in human-dominated landscapes: a case study of the red panda. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2021; 9:62. [PMID: 34906253 PMCID: PMC8670026 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-021-00297-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Habitat specialists living in human-dominated landscapes are likely to be affected by habitat fragmentation and human disturbances more than generalists. But there is a paucity of information on their response to such factors. We examined the effect of these factors on movement patterns of red pandas Ailurus fulgens, a habitat and diet specialist that inhabits the eastern Himalaya. METHODS We equipped 10 red pandas (six females, four males) with GPS collars and monitored them from September 2019 to March 2020 in Ilam, eastern Nepal. We collected habitat and disturbance data over four seasons. We considered geophysical covariates, anthropogenic factors and habitat fragmentation metrics, and employed linear -mixed models and logistic regression to evaluate the effect of those variables on movement patterns. RESULTS The median daily distance travelled by red pandas was 756 m. Males travelled nearly 1.5 times further than females (605 m). Males and sub-adults travelled more in the mating season while females showed no seasonal variation for their daily distance coverage. Red pandas were relatively more active during dawn and morning than the rest of the day, and they exhibited seasonal variation in distance coverage on the diel cycle. Both males and females appeared to be more active in the cub-rearing season, yet males were more active in the dawn in the birthing season. Two sub-adult females dispersed an average of 21 km starting their dispersal with the onset of the new moon following the winter solstice. The single subadult male did not disperse. Red pandas avoided roads, small-habitat patches and large unsuitable areas between habitat patches. Where connected habitat with high forest cover was scarce the animals moved more directly than when habitat was abundant. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicates that this habitat specialist is vulnerable to human disturbances and habitat fragmentation. Habitat restoration through improving functional connectivity may be necessary to secure the long-term conservation of specialist species in a human-dominated landscape. Regulation of human activities should go in parallel to minimize disturbances during biologically crucial life phases. We recommend habitat zonation to limit human activities and avoid disturbances, especially livestock herding and road construction in core areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damber Bista
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences (Wildlife Science Unit), The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia.
| | - Greg S Baxter
- School of Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, West St, Darling Heights, QLD, 4350, Australia
| | - Nicholas J Hudson
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences (Wildlife Science Unit), The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
| | | | - Janno Weerman
- Royal Rotterdam Zoological & Botanical Gardens, Postbus 532, 3000 AM, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter John Murray
- School of Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, West St, Darling Heights, QLD, 4350, Australia
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Bista D, Baxter GS, Hudson NJ, Lama ST, Murray PJ. Effect of disturbances and habitat fragmentation on an arboreal habitat specialist mammal using GPS telemetry: a case of the red panda. LANDSCAPE ECOLOGY 2021; 37:795-809. [PMID: 34720409 PMCID: PMC8542365 DOI: 10.1007/s10980-021-01357-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Habitat specialists residing in human-modified landscapes are likely to be more vulnerable to disturbance because of a functional reliance on very particular habitat features. However, there have been few studies designed to specifically address that issue. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to explore how the red panda, an iconic endangered habitat specialist, behaves when faced with disturbances and habitat fragmentation. In particular, we attempted to examine the effect of anthropogenic disturbances and fragmentation on home-range size, activity patterns, and recursion. METHODS Using GPS telemetry we monitored 10 red pandas and documented disturbances using camera trapping for one year in eastern Nepal. We performed spatial analysis, analysed activity patterns and evaluated the effect of habitat fragmentation and disturbances on home-range size and residence time using Linear Mixed Models. RESULTS Home-range size increased in areas with low availability of forest cover whilst home ranges were smaller in areas with a high road density. Red pandas spent more time in large habitat patches away from roads and cattle stations. Crossing rates suggested that roads acted as a barrier for movement across their habitat. Red pandas also partitioned their activity to minimize interactions with disturbances. CONCLUSIONS Red pandas seem to make a trade-off to co-exist in human-dominated landscapes which may have adverse long-term effects on their survival. This indicates that current patterns of habitat fragmentation and forest exploitation may be adversely affecting red panda conservation efforts and that landscape-scale effects should be considered when planning conservation actions. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10980-021-01357-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damber Bista
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343 Australia
| | - Greg S. Baxter
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343 Australia
| | - Nicholas J. Hudson
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343 Australia
| | | | - Peter John Murray
- School of Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, West St., Darling Heights, Toowoomba, QLD 4350 Australia
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Karki S, Maraseni T, Mackey B, Bista D, Lama ST, Gautam AP, Sherpa AP, Koju U, Shrestha A, Cadman T. Reaching over the gap: A review of trends in and status of red panda research over 193 years (1827-2020). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 781:146659. [PMID: 33794452 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The red panda is a unique species taxonomically known for its peculiar biological and ecological characteristics, and extreme attractiveness. Despite being highly significant from conservation, scientific and economic perspectives, this species has experienced a declining population in the wild. Thus, to direct further research priorities and conservation actions and assess gaps in the current research trend of this species, a systematic literature review was conducted covering 175 journal articles published in English over 193 years (1827-2020). This review revealed that (1) the biological aspect was highly studied compared to other thematic areas of red panda (2) captive-based studies are relatively higher than the studies based in wild populations (3) China is leading the red panda studies amongst all red panda range (4) The universities were found contributing more to red panda studies than other institutions. Surprisingly, we found that the researchers from the non-range country were leading red panda study than those from range countries. Our review highlighted the need of prioritising studies in underrepresented locations and understudied thematic areas focusing on the assessment of climate change impact, bamboo distribution status, ecosystem services of red panda habitat, behavior and movement ecology, population estimation, and metapopulation dynamics. We urge landscape-level studies and long-term population monitoring. Besides, we also suggest the documentation and evaluation of the effectiveness of ongoing red panda-focused conservation programs. We also stress the need for strengthening the capacity of institutions and people from range countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sikha Karki
- Cities Research Institute, Griffith University, Australia.
| | | | - Brendan Mackey
- Griffith Climate Action Beacon, Griffith University, Australia
| | - Damber Bista
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Upama Koju
- Kathmandu Forestry College, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | - Tim Cadman
- Institute for Ethics, Governance and Law, Griffith University, Australia
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Su H, Bista M, Li M. Mapping habitat suitability for Asiatic black bear and red panda in Makalu Barun National Park of Nepal from Maxent and GARP models. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14135. [PMID: 34238986 PMCID: PMC8266906 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93540-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Habitat evaluation is essential for managing wildlife populations and formulating conservation policies. With the rise of innovative powerful statistical techniques in partnership with Remote Sensing, GIS and GPS techniques, spatially explicit species distribution modeling (SDM) has rapidly grown in conservation biology. These models can help us to study habitat suitability at the scale of the species range, and are particularly useful for examining the overlapping habitat between sympatric species. Species presence points collected through field GPS observations, in conjunction with 13 different topographic, vegetation related, anthropogenic, and bioclimatic variables, as well as a land cover map with seven classification categories created by support vector machine (SVM) were used to implement Maxent and GARP ecological niche models. With the resulting ecological niche models, the suitable habitat for asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) and red panda (Ailurus fulgens) in Nepal Makalu Barun National Park (MBNP) was predicted. All of the predictor variables were extracted from freely available remote sensing and publicly shared government data resources. The modeled results were validated by using an independent dataset. Analysis of the regularized training gain showed that the three most important environmental variables for habitat suitability were distance to settlement, elevation, and mean annual temperature. The habitat suitability modeling accuracy, characterized by the mean area under curve, was moderate for both species when GARP was used (0.791 for black bear and 0.786 for red panda), but was moderate for black bear (0.857), and high for red panda (0.920) when Maxent was used. The suitable habitat estimated by Maxent for black bear and red panda was 716 km2 and 343 km2 respectively, while the suitable area determined by GARP was 1074 km2 and 714 km2 respectively. Maxent predicted that the overlapping area was 83% of the red panda habitat and 40% of the black bear habitat, while GARP estimated 88% of the red panda habitat and 58% of the black bear habitat overlapped. The results of land cover exhibited that barren land covered the highest percentage of area in MBNP (36.0%) followed by forest (32.6%). Of the suitable habitat, both models indicated forest as the most preferred land cover for both species (63.7% for black bear and 61.6% for red panda from Maxent; 59.9% black bear and 58.8% for red panda from GARP). Maxent outperformed GARP in terms of habitat suitability modeling. The black bear showed higher habitat selectivity than red panda. We suggest that proper management should be given to the overlapping habitats in the buffer zone. For remote and inaccessible regions, the proposed methods are promising tools for wildlife management and conservation, deserving further popularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyi Su
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Manjit Bista
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
- Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Ministry of Forests and Environment, Babarmahal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Mingshi Li
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China.
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China.
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Shrestha S, Thapa A, Bista D, Robinson N, Sherpa AP, Acharya KP, Jnawali SR, Lama ST, Lama S. Distribution and habitat attributes associated with the Himalayan red panda in the westernmost distribution range. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:4023-4034. [PMID: 33976791 PMCID: PMC8093741 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The Himalayan red panda (Ailurus fulgens), a recently confirmed distinct species in the red panda genus, is distributed in Nepal, India, Bhutan, and south Tibet. Nepal represents the westernmost distribution of the Himalayan red panda. This study aims to determine important habitat features influencing the distribution of red panda and recommend possible habitat corridors. This manuscript described current potential habitat of 3,222 km2 with the relative abundance of 3.34 signs/km in Nepal. Aspect, canopy cover, bamboo cover, and distance to water were the important habitat attributes. It suggested five potential corridors in western Nepal. Overall, the study has important implications for conservation of the Himalayan red panda in western distribution range.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arjun Thapa
- Small Mammals Conservation and Research FoundationLalitpurNepal
| | - Damber Bista
- Red Panda NetworkKathmanduNepal
- Wildlife Science UnitSchool of Agriculture and Food SciencesThe University of QueenslandGattonQldAustralia
| | - Natasha Robinson
- National Environmental Science ProgramThreatened Species Recovery HubFenner School of Environment and SocietyThe Australian National UniversityCanberraACTAustralia
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Bista D, Lama ST, Weerman J, Sherpa AP, Pandey P, Thapa MK, Acharya H, Hudson NJ, Baxter GS, Murray PJ. Improved Trapping and Handling of an Arboreal, Montane Mammal: Red Panda Ailurus fulgens. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11040921. [PMID: 33805041 PMCID: PMC8064068 DOI: 10.3390/ani11040921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Capture and handling is essential to study some biological and ecological properties of free-ranging animals. However, capturing an arboreal and cryptic species such as the red panda is challenging due to the difficult terrain, their elusive nature, and potential risks to human and animal safety. We developed and successfully tested a protocol for tracking, capture, immobilization, and handling of red pandas. This method could also be used, with some modifications, for other arboreal species. This study extends the known range of body weight and length of free-ranging red pandas. We also report some new morphometric data that could serve as a guide for field identification. Abstract It is sometimes essential to have an animal in the hand to study some of their ecological and biological characteristics. However, capturing a solitary, cryptic, elusive arboreal species such as the red panda in the wild is challenging. We developed and successfully tested a protocol for tracking, trapping, immobilization, and handling of red pandas in the wild in eastern Nepal. We established a red panda sighting rate of 0.89 panda/day with a capture success rate of 0.6. We trapped and collared one animal in 3.7 days. On average, we took nearly 136 (range 50–317) min to capture an animal after spotting it. Further processing was completed in 38.5 (21–70) min. Before capture, we found it difficult to recognize the sex of the red panda and to differentiate sub-adults above six months from adults. However, body weight, body length, tail length, shoulder height, and chest girth can be used for diagnosis, as these attributes are smaller in sub-adults. Our method is a welfare-friendly way of trapping and handling wild red pandas. We report new morphometric data that could serve as a guide for field identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damber Bista
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia; (N.J.H.); (G.S.B.)
- Correspondence: or
| | - Sonam Tashi Lama
- Red Panda Network, Baluwatar, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal; (S.T.L.); (A.P.S.)
| | - Janno Weerman
- Rotterdam Zoo, Blijdorplaan 8, 3041 JG Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Ang Phuri Sherpa
- Red Panda Network, Baluwatar, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal; (S.T.L.); (A.P.S.)
| | - Purushotam Pandey
- Directorate of Livestock and Fisheries Development, Province no.1, Biratnagar 56613, Nepal;
| | - Madhuri Karki Thapa
- Department of Forest and Soil Conservation, Babarmahal, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal;
| | - Haribhadra Acharya
- Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Babarmahal, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal;
| | - Nicholas J. Hudson
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia; (N.J.H.); (G.S.B.)
| | - Greg S. Baxter
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia; (N.J.H.); (G.S.B.)
| | - Peter John Murray
- School of Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, West St, Darling Heights, QLD 4350, Australia;
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13
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Dalui S, Khatri H, Singh SK, Basu S, Ghosh A, Mukherjee T, Sharma LK, Singh R, Chandra K, Thakur M. Fine-scale landscape genetics unveiling contemporary asymmetric movement of red panda (Ailurus fulgens) in Kangchenjunga landscape, India. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15446. [PMID: 32963325 PMCID: PMC7508845 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72427-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Wildlife management in rapid changing landscapes requires critical planning through cross cutting networks, and understanding of landscape features, often affected by the anthropogenic activities. The present study demonstrates fine-scale spatial patterns of genetic variation and contemporary gene flow of red panda (Ailurus fulgens) populations with respect to landscape connectivity in Kangchenjunga Landscape (KL), India. The study found about 1,309.54 km2 area suitable for red panda in KL-India, of which 62.21% area fell under the Protected Area network. We identified 24 unique individuals from 234 feces collected at nine microsatellite loci. The spatially explicit and non-explicit Bayesian clustering algorithms evident to exhibit population structuring and supported red panda populations to exist in meta-population frame work. In concurrence to the habitat suitability and landscape connectivity models, gene flow results supported a contemporary asymmetric movement of red panda by connecting KL-India in a crescent arc. We demonstrate the structural-operational connectivity of corridors in KL-India that facilitated red panda movement in the past. We also seek for cooperation in Nepal, Bhutan and China to aid in preparing for a comprehensive monitoring plan for the long-term conservation and management of red panda in trans-boundary landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supriyo Dalui
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India
- Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700019, India
| | - Hiren Khatri
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India
- Amity Institute of Forestry and Wildlife, Amity University Campus, Sector-125, Noida, UP, 201303, India
| | - Sujeet Kumar Singh
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India
| | - Shambadeb Basu
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India
| | - Avijit Ghosh
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India
- Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700019, India
| | - Tanoy Mukherjee
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India
- Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700019, India
| | - Lalit Kumar Sharma
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India
| | - Randeep Singh
- Amity Institute of Forestry and Wildlife, Amity University Campus, Sector-125, Noida, UP, 201303, India
| | - Kailash Chandra
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India
| | - Mukesh Thakur
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India.
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14
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Dendup P, Humle T, Bista D, Penjor U, Lham C, Gyeltshen J. Habitat requirements of the Himalayan red panda ( Ailurus fulgens) and threat analysis in Jigme Dorji National Park, Bhutan. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:9444-9453. [PMID: 32953073 PMCID: PMC7487235 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the influence of anthropogenic disturbances on species' habitat use and distribution is critical to conservation managers in planning effective conservation strategies and mitigating the impact of development. Few studies have focused on the Himalayan red panda (Ailurus fulgens) in Bhutan. This study aimed to assess the habitat requirements and threats to this endangered species in the Khamaed subdistrict of the Jigme Dorji National Park, Bhutan. We employed a transect walk and plot-sampling survey design across two seasons, that is, winter and spring. In total, we surveyed 84 × 50 m radius circular plots along 51 km of existing trails within a 25.4 km2 study area. At 500 m intervals, we established plots at random distances and direction from the trail. We recorded direct sightings (n = 2) and indirect signs (n = 14), such as droppings and footprints as evidence of red panda presence within an altitudinal range of 2,414-3,618 m. We also noted 21 tree and 12 understory species within plots with red panda evidence; the dominant tree species was the Himalayan hemlock (Tsuga dumosa) and the Asian barberry (Berberis asiatica) as an understory species. Red panda presence showed a significant positive association with distance to water sources and fir forests. Plant disturbance and infrastructure, such as power transmission lines, were identified as prominent anthropogenic threats in the study area. Based on our findings, we recommend the development and implementation of local forest management plans, livestock intensification programs, and strict application of environmental impact assessment regulations to promote the conservation of the red panda in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pema Dendup
- Jigme Dorji National ParkDepartment of Forests and Park ServicesMinistry of Agriculture and ForestsRoyal Government of BhutanGasaBhutan
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and EcologySchool of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of KentCanterburyUK
| | - Tatyana Humle
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and EcologySchool of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of KentCanterburyUK
| | - Damber Bista
- Wildlife Science UnitSchool of Agriculture and Food SciencesThe University of QueenslandGattonQldAustralia
| | - Ugyen Penjor
- Nature Conservation DivisionDepartment of Forests and Park ServicesMinistry of Agriculture and ForestsRoyal Government of BhutanThimphuBhutan
- Wildlife Conservation Research UnitDepartment of ZoologyThe Racanati‐Kaplan CentreUniversity of OxfordTubneyUK
| | - Choki Lham
- Jigme Dorji National ParkDepartment of Forests and Park ServicesMinistry of Agriculture and ForestsRoyal Government of BhutanGasaBhutan
| | - Jigme Gyeltshen
- Jigme Dorji National ParkDepartment of Forests and Park ServicesMinistry of Agriculture and ForestsRoyal Government of BhutanGasaBhutan
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15
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Sharma P, Panthi S, Yadav SK, Bhatta M, Karki A, Duncan T, Poudel M, Acharya KP. Suitable habitat of wild Asian elephant in Western Terai of Nepal. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:6112-6119. [PMID: 32607217 PMCID: PMC7319151 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is currently very little available research on the habitat suitability, the influence of infrastructure on distribution, and the extent and connectivity of habitat available to the wild Asian elephant (Elephas maximus). Information related to the habitat is crucial for conservation of this species. METHODS In this study, we identified suitable habitat for wild Asian elephants in the Western Terai region of Nepal using Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) software. RESULTS Of 9,207 km2, we identified 3194.82 km2 as suitable habitat for wild Asian elephants in the study area. Approximately 40% of identified habitat occurs in existing protected areas. Most of these habitat patches are smaller than previous estimations of the species home range, and this may reduce the probability of the species continued survival in the study area. Proximity to roads was identified as the most important factor defining habitat suitability, with elephants preferring habitats far from roads. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that further habitat fragmentation in the study area can be reduced by avoiding the construction of new roads and connectivity between areas of existing suitable habitat can be increased through the identification and management of wildlife corridors between habitat patches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Saroj Panthi
- Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forest, and EnvironmentPokharaNepal
| | | | - Manoj Bhatta
- Research Institute for Environment and LivelihoodsCharles Darwin UniversityDarwinNTAustralia
| | - Ajay Karki
- Ministry of Forests and EnvironmentKathmanduNepal
| | - Tom Duncan
- Research Institute for Environment and LivelihoodsCharles Darwin UniversityDarwinNTAustralia
| | - Megharaj Poudel
- Forest Research and Training CentreBabarmahal, KathmanduNepal
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