Preference of trees for nest building by critically endangered white-rumped vultures (Gyps bengalensis) in Nepal

White-rumped vultures (Gyps bengalensis) are critically endangered species, and protecting their habitats, particularly the nesting trees, may have a positive impact on their reproductive success. For a better understanding of vultures' habitat needs, the characteristics of nesting trees should be accounted. In this paper, we compare the characteristics of the trees that have vultures' nests and that do not by randomly select a control tree within a 10 m radius of the nesting tree. We extensively searched and monitored the white-rumped vultures' nests, nesting trees, and nesting tree species in Nepal between 2002 and 2022, and measured the characteristics of sampled trees such as their height, girth, canopy spread, branching orders, and whorls. We recorded 1161 nests of white-rumped vulture in total on 194 trees belonging to 19 species over the past two decades. White-rumped vultures preferred the kapok trees (Bombax ceiba) for nest construction than other tree species (χ 2 = 115.38, df = 1, p < .001) as 66.49% of nests were built on them. In the logistic regression model, the number of whorls on a tree, canopy spread, and the height of the first branch determined whether a nest was present or absent on a tree. These results help to prioritize the tree attributes in a habitat conservation plan for vultures.

Factors influencing Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) burrow selection in the Chandragiri-Champadevi hills of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

The Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) confronts challenges from illegal hunting, trading, and habitat degradation. Therefore, it is imperative to establish and implement effective conservation strategies at both local and regional levels. However, there is limited information, particularly within the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal, underscoring the significance of local-level habitat characterization for burrowing animals like pangolins. In this context, our study aimed to assess how anthropogenic and environmental factors influence the presence of Chinese pangolins along the elevational gradients of Chandragiri-Champadevi Hills, renowned for the scenic beauty and popular hiking trails within the valley. We conducted surveys of foraging and resting burrows at 72 plots distributed along 12 elevational line transects from 1500 to 2100 m elevational gradients of Chandragiri-Champadevi Hills. Notably, we observed pangolin burrows spanning from 1550 m to 2095 m. With increasing elevation, we recorded a decline in both foraging and resting burrow numbers. Furthermore, our findings indicated an increase in burrow numbers with increasing the distances from roads, whereas burrow numbers decreased with increasing proximity to human settlements. Interestingly, foraging burrows exhibited an increase with noise but a decrease with slope, while resting burrows showed an increase association with higher canopy and ground cover percentages. Our study shows the substantial anthropogenic disturbances in the habitats of Chinese pangolins in the Chandragiri-Champadevi Hills. We recommend managing the human-associated threats to ensure the species conservation at this site-specific area.

Population and conservation threats to the vulnerable Sarus crane Grus antigone in Nepal

Globally, biodiversity is declining due to habitat loss and degradation, over-exploitation, climate change, invasive species, pollution, and infrastructure development. These threats affect the populations of large waterbird species, such as Sarus crane (Grus antigone), which inhabits agricultural-wetland ecosystems. Despite the burgeoning built-up areas and diminishing agricultural and wetland spaces, scant research investigates the impact of these changing land uses on the globally vulnerable Sarus crane in Nepal. During the pre-breeding season from April to June 2023, our comprehensive study meticulously scrutinized Sarus crane population status and factors associated with the occurrences and conservation challenges across 10 specific districts of Nepal. Our study documented a total of 690 individuals of Sarus cranes in five districts. The Lumbini Province has 685 individuals, occupying 11 roosting sites. Conversely, the remaining five districts have no Sarus cranes presence during this period. Wetland, farmland and built-up areas exhibited a significantly positive influence on Sarus crane occurrences in the Lumbini Province. Additionally, we recorded 47 fatalities of Sarus cranes over the past 13 years in the Lumbini Province due to electrocution and collisions. Our study provides a baseline dataset crucial for developing conservation policies, particularly during the dry season when Sarus crane populations tend to congregate in larger flocks. The adaptation of the Sarus crane to urbanized landscapes exposes them to several anthropogenic threats in the coming days. Therefore, protecting wetlands and farmland areas and adopting transboundary conservation approaches are imperative for the long-term conservation of the Sarus crane and its habitat.

Occurrence and temporal overlap of sympatric jungle cats and leopard cats in Parsa‒Koshi Complex, Nepal

Co-occurrence and spatial and temporal overlap of sympatric jungle and leopard cats are influenced by habitat preferences, and interspecific competition. Understanding these factors influence is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies. We conducted a camera survey in Parsa‒Koshi Complex (PKC), Nepal during December 2022-March 2023 to investigate factors influencing occupancy and spatial and temporal overlap between jungle cats (Felis chaus) and leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis). The mean detection probability (t = 0.664, p = 0.507) did not differ between jungle cats (p = 0.500 ± 0.289) and leopard cats (p = 0.501 ± 0.288); however, occupancy (t = 31.008, p < 0.001) was greater for jungle cats (ψ = 0.247 ± 0.020) than leopard cats (ψ = 0.178 ± 0.019). Jungle cats and leopard cats were positively associated with large predators, and jungle cats were positively associated with human presence and negatively associated with canopy cover. We observed high diel overlap between leopard cats and jungle cats (Dhat1 = 0.802, norm0CI: 0.720-0.884), with both species largely nocturnal. Co-existence of jungle cats and leopard cats in PKC appears to be facilitated by spatial segregation. These findings provide valuable insights into the complex ecological dynamics and interactions between sympatric jungle and leopard cats.

Factors affecting the occupancy of sloth bear and its detection probability in Parsa-Koshi Complex, Nepal

Understanding factors associated with coexistence of human and wildlife in human-dominated landscapes is crucial for effective species conservation. Among the wildlife species, the sloth bears Melursus ursinus are found both inside and outside the protected areas of Nepal, and with increasing cases of human and bear conflicts in both areas. This highlights the necessity for a comprehensive understanding of anthropogenic and ecological factors that affect the occurrence of sloth bear. The understanding of these factors is important for its coexistence and conservation in human-dominated areas through establishing management and conservation action plan. We studied the sloth bear's occupancy and their coexistence in human-dominated environments with other large predators in the Parsa-Koshi Complex of Nepal using camera traps from December 2022 to March 2023. We identified the occupancy and detection probability of the sloth bear as 0.12 and 0.31, respectively. Our analysis reveals a positive relationship between sloth bear occurrence and the presence of large predators (βpredators = 3.104 ± 0.968), such as tigers (Panthera tigris) and leopards (Panthera pardus), as well as the number of humans detected (βhuman = 1.428 ± 1.216) and canopy cover percentage (βcc = 1.002 ± 0.737). However, the number of livestock detected shows a negative interaction with the occurrence of sloth bears (βlivestock = -2.240 ± 1.467). There was insignificant interaction between sloth bear occupancy and distance to human settlements, roads, and water bodies. These findings underscore the complex dynamics between sloth bears, humans, large predators, and livestock in human-dominated landscapes. To ensure the long-term survival of sloth bear populations and promote species conservation, comprehensive conservation strategies that account for both ecological and socio-economic factors are essential.

Drivers of power line collisions and electrocutions of birds in Nepal

Among the several anthropogenic factors, power lines are increasingly regarded as one of the most significant hazards to bird species, primarily owing to collisions and electrocutions. Nepal has comparatively fewer studies on the impact of power line collisions and electrocution on birds compared with developed nations. From November 2021 to May 2022, we assessed the effect of power line collisions and electrocutions on the mortality of birds in the Putalibazar Municipality of the Syangja district of Nepal. We established 117 circular plots in diverse habitats, including agricultural lands, forests, settlements, and river basins, along a 30.6 km long distribution line. Within 18 plots, we detected 43 fatalities of 11 species (17 individuals of six species due to collision and 26 individuals of eight species due to electrocution). House Swift (Apus nipalensis) and Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) were the primary victims of the collision, whereas House Crow (Corvus splendens) and Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) were frequently observed electrocuted. We also recorded the electrocution of the critically endangered White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis). The total rate of bird power line collisions per kilometer was 0.55 birds, while the total electrocution rate per 10 poles was 2.22. The bird abundance, distance to agricultural regions, and proximity to human settlements were found to have a strong relationship with the mortality of birds caused by power lines. In order to reduce power line collisions and electrocution fatalities, we recommend conducting a detailed bird population study prior to determining the route of distribution lines.

Factors influencing mammalian community occupancy in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, Nepal

The decline in mammalian species diversity is increasing worldwide, with areas characterized by high human activities experiencing more prominent effects. Knowledge of spatial distributions of species and factors acting on them is necessary for effective management. We evaluated community-level occupancy of mammal species in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve (DHR), Nepal using remote cameras during 15 March-15 June 2022. We used mammal species detections from remote cameras and multispecies hierarchical occupancy modeling to assess the effects of environmental and anthropogenic variables on community-level occupancy of detected mammal species. We identified a highly heterogeneous mammal species community at DHR with greatest detection probability (0.21) for red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and lowest (0.08) for blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur). Naïve occupancy ranged from 0.31 for giant-flying squirrel (Petaurista magnificus) to 0.84 for red fox. Mammal community occupancy increased with increasing canopy cover and number of livestock detections, but overall occupancy declined close to human settlements. The findings of this study can be used for developing policy at DHR for the management of mammal species through reducing the potential increase of human settlements or livestock grazing.

Spatio-temporal patterns of human-wildlife conflicts and effectiveness of mitigation in Shuklaphanta National Park, Nepal

Human-wildlife interactions occur where human and wildlife coexist and share common resources including food or shelter. Increasing wildlife populations within protected areas also can increase interactions with humans living adjacent to these areas, resulting in conflicts including human casualty, livestock depredation, crop damage, and property loss. We analyzed six years human-wildlife conflict data from 2016-2021 in the buffer zone of Shuklaphanta National Park and conducted questionnaire survey to investigate factors influencing human-wildlife conflicts. Nineteen people were attacked by wildlife, primarily wild boar (Sus scrofa). Ninety-two livestock were killed by leopard (Panthera pardus), and among these most were sheep or goats killed near ShNP during summer. Crops were most frequently damaged by Asian elephants (Elephas maximus), followed by wild boar. Greatest economic losses were from damage to rice, followed by sugarcane and wheat. Asian elephant was the only reported species to cause structural damage to property (e.g., homes). Majority of respondents (83%) considered that the mitigation techniques that are currently in practice are effective to reduce the conflicts. However, the effectiveness of the mitigation techniques are the species specific, we recommend use of more efficacious deterrents (e.g., electric fencing) for large herbivores and mesh wire fencing with partially buried in the ground. Effective collaboration among different tiers of government, non-governmental organizations, civil societies and affected communities are important to share the best practices and continue to apply innovative methods for impactful mitigation of human-wildlife conflicts in the region.

Copromicroscopic study of gastrointestinal parasites in captive mammals at Central Zoo, Lalitpur, Nepal

BACKGROUND

Zoological gardens (Zoo) provide abode to various threatened animals or trafficked animals seized by the authorities, and injured and orphaned animals. Captive animals are more susceptible to infection as they are under significant stress due to diet and space which further dwindle their resistance to parasitic infections.

OBJECTIVES

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and burden of gastrointestinal parasites in captive mammals housed at Central Zoo.

METHODS

Fresh faecal samples from three orders of mammals including carnivora (n = 24), rodentia (n = 28) and artiodactyla (n = 35) were examined by direct smear, faecal floatation and sedimentation techniques, and the McMaster technique was applied to quantify parasite eggs per gram (EPG)/oocysts per gram (OPG) of a faecal sample.

RESULTS

One or more parasite taxa were detected in 19.54% of the examined samples and five types of GIPs including one protozoon (Eimeria spp.) and four helminths (Strongyloides spp., Haemonchus spp. and Trichostrongylus spp. and hookworm) were recorded. The protozoan prevalence (6.89 %) was lower than helminths (12.64%). The Eimeria spp. was the most prevalent parasite (6.89%) with the highest OPG (427.77 ± 25.45SD) in spotted deer (Axis axis), and the highest prevalence was noticed among artiodactyla (34.28%) followed by carnivora (12.5%) and rodentia (7.14%). Artiodactyla had both single infection (25.71%) and double (8.57%) infection. The percentage of single infection (16.09%) was found to be higher than double infection (3.44%) among the captive mammals. The wild boar (Sus scrofa) had the highest EPG of 383.33 ± 76.37SD (Strongyloides spp.), while the spotted deer had the lowest EPG of 216.66 ± 76.37SD (hookworm).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite careful management practices, the parasitic infection may be attributed to the narrow enclosure, group housing and environmental contamination. The present finding provides baseline information on the parasitic infection in captive mammals, and can be used by zoo managers for the better life of captive animals.

Foraging Burrow Site Selection and Diet of Chinese Pangolins, Chandragiri Municipality, Nepal

The Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) is a myrmecophagous, nocturnal mammal species that occurs in forests, agricultural lands, and grasslands. It is critically endangered due to illegal hunting and habitat loss. Characterizing the Chinese pangolin’s habitat and diet could improve our knowledge of the conditions necessary for species persistence; however, limited information is available. We investigated the habitat and diet of Chinese pangolins in the Chandragiri Municipality, Kathmandu, Nepal from November 2021−March 2022. We identified foraging burrows within plots established along 20 transects, collected scats opportunistically at these burrows, and used a generalized linear model to assess the site-level habitat characteristics related to burrow occurrence. We recorded 88 foraging burrows which occurred in forests with 50−75% canopy closure at 1500−1700 m elevation with 20−40° slopes. The probability of detecting a Chinese pangolin foraging burrow was greater with the increasing slope gradient and decreased with increasing distance to agricultural lands and ant nests or termite mounds. The analysis of 10 scats revealed that Aphaenogastersymthiesii, Camponotus sp., Monomorium sp., and Pheidole sp. were the dominant ant prey species; no termites were detected. Baseline data from this study could be used for ex-situ conservation and the captive breeding of Chinese pangolins as well as aiding site-specific management plans in Nepal.

Vulture distribution and people perception of vultures in Pokhara Valley, Nepal

Due to an abundance and diversity of vultures, Nepal is one of the most important countries for vulture conservation. Within Nepal, the Pokhara Valley is especially significant. We examine the distribution of vultures within the Pokhara Valley by conducting counts at 11 potential feeding or roosting sites using point count method. We further surveyed people of the valley regarding their perception of vulture ecology and conservation, knowledge of diclofenac use within the valley, and burial of livestock carcasses. We detected eight species of vultures, four of which are currently threatened with extinction. White-rumped vulture Gyps bengalensis, Egyptian vulture Nephron percnopterus, and Himalayan vulture G. himalayensis were the most abundant. Almost all respondents (98%) had sighted the vultures in the wild. Formally educated respondents reported seeing vultures' slightly more than nonformally educated respondents. Fifty-eight percent respondents suspected habitat loss was the major threat for the vulture population decline in Pokhara Valley, and 97% respondents were not aware of any diclofenac use. The knowledge of vultures in people with different age groups suggests a more awareness programs are needed for local people, especially those who carry out animal husbandry and provide livestock to the vulture restaurant.

Gastro-intestinal parasites of sympatric red panda and livestock in protected areas of Nepal

Background

Disease transmission among humans, domestic animals and wildlife can have profound consequences in human health, wildlife conservation and maintenance of biodiversity. The issue of disease transmission can be particularly important for threatened wildlife species, yet such information remains scarce due to logistic constraints and government regulation on animal handlings. The red panda (Ailurus fulgens) is one of the globally threatened species challenged with habitat fragmentation and human disturbance. In Nepal, livestock grazing is recognised as one of the major threats to the red panda.

Aim

We aimed to provide the first empirical data on gastro‐intestinal parasites for sympatric livestock and red panda from two geographically isolated regions in Nepal.

Methods

In this study, we systematically sampled, and examined the faecal of livestock and red panda in two separate protected areas to provide the first empirical data on their gastro‐intestinal parasite, including the prevalence, parasite richness and load.

Results

We documented 11 parasite taxa (7 nematodes, 2 cestodes, 1 trematode and 1 coccidian), of which 8 are shared by both livestock and red panda. Furthermore, parasite prevalence, parasite load and parasite richness were generally higher in the livestock than the red panda.

Conclusion

The data provided from this systematic survey on parasites of sympatric livestock and red panda in wild raises the concern about the potential role of livestock mediating disease dynamics in the red panda. Our study suggests that cross‐transmission of parasites between livestock and red panda are likely, and the livestock may be a competent agent bringing disease to both red panda and human. Therefore, managing human‐livestock‐wildlife contact to reduce disease risk to all groups should be a key component in conservation planning of protected areas.

Determination of surgical outcomes with a novel formulation of intrastromal natamycin in recalcitrant fungal keratitis: A pilot study

Purpose:

To evaluate the outcomes of water-soluble intrastromal natamycin (IS-NTM) as an adjunct therapy for recalcitrant fungal keratitis.

Methods:

This was a prospective interventional pilot study in the setting of a tertiary eye-care center. Twenty eyes of 20 consecutive patients with microbiologically proven recalcitrant fungal keratitis (ulcer size >2 mm, depth >50%, and not responding to topical NTM for 2 weeks) were recruited. The selected patients were injected with a novel composition of IS-NTM (10 ug/0.1 mL, soluble natamycin) prepared aseptically in the ocular pharmacology department. All the patients continued using topical NTM suspension 5% 4-hourly until the ulcer healed. Repeat injections were undertaken after 72 h depending on the clinical response and all the patients were followed till 6 months.

Results:

The mean age of the patients was 40.42 ± 10.09 years. The mean duration of the presentation was 20.8 ± 5.1 days. The most commonly isolated organisms were Aspergillus sp. (12/20, 60%) and Fusariumsp. (8/20, 40%). No patient had iatrogenic perforation or precipitate formation after IS-NTM injection. The overall cure rate with IS-NTM was 95% (19/20 patients). The number of patients who healed with the 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd injection was 13, 5, and 1, respectively. One (5%) had no response to treatment and was subjected to penetrating keratoplasty. The average time taken for the resolution of the epithelial defect, stromal infiltrates, and hypopyon was 34 ± 5.2 days, 35.3 ± 6.4 days, and 15 ± 2.5 days. Healing with deep vascularization and cataract was noted in 6/19 eyes (31%) and 13/19 eyes (68.42%), respectively.

Conclusion:

Intrastromal injection of a novel formulation of NTM holds a promising role as adjunctive therapy to topical NTM in the management of recalcitrant filamentous fungal keratitis. The preliminary results are encouraging and further studies are required to validate the results.

Distribution and habitat preferences of the Chinese Pangolin Manis pentadactyla (Mammalia: Manidae) in the mid-hills of Nepal

The Chinese Pangolin is a ‘Critically Endangered’ species, which is estimated to have declined by over 90% in the last 21 years due to increased anthropogenic activities on the species and its habitat. Only a few pieces of research on the Chinese Pangolin have been done throughout Nepal; there is little information among the mammal species of Nepal, especially on distribution and habitat preference. This study was set to assess the distribution and habitat preferences of the Chinese Pangolin in Panauti municipality, central Nepal. We identified the most preferred habitat of the Chinese Pangolin using different covariates. Its preferred habitat was found ranging 1,450–1,600 m of elevation within a moderate slope of 5–25° steepness, forested areas in west-facing slopes. The maximum number of burrows of the species were found to be distributed in open canopy (0–50 % coverage). The increase anthropogenic activities in the agricultural land and deforestation in forested land has negatively impacted the occurrence of the Chinese Pangolin. We recommend that the community-based conservation initiatives like community forestry programs should be robustly implemented in the study area for better conservation of species and habitat in the coming years.

Livestock Depredation by Leopards and Tigers Near Bardia National Park, Nepal

Simple Summary

People in rural Nepal are experiencing increased livestock depredations from large carnivores; however, limited information is available on factors influencing livestock depredations. We quantified potential factors influencing livestock depredations by leopards (Panthera pardus) and tigers (P. tigris) in and near Bardia National Park (BNP), Nepal. Drivers of carnivore depredations of livestock were influenced by carnivore species, animal husbandry practices, season, and deterrent technique. Leopards killed more livestock than tigers, and the likelihood of livestock depredations was not affected by the number of livestock owned or preventative measures used to reduce depredations.

Abstract

Wildlife attacks on livestock near human settlements are increasing due to the proximity of humans to protected areas. These attacks are often severe due to depredations of livestock adversely affecting the livelihoods of people. The nature of carnivore depredations on livestock can differ based on the carnivore species, animal husbandry practices, season, and deterrent technique. We surveyed people living near Bardia National Park (BNP), Nepal, to compare hoofed livestock depredations by leopards (Panthera pardus) and tigers (P. tigris) near (<1 km) and far (>1 km) from this protected area. Overall, 1476 hoofed livestock were reportedly depredated by leopards, and 209 by tigers, during 2015–2019. The number of hoofed livestock killed by leopards each season was, at least, 86% higher than the number killed by tigers. More livestock were killed at BNP irrespective of carnivore deterrent techniques used. Due to severe effects created by livestock depredations near BNP, we recommend using more efficacious deterrent techniques when practical, in addition to improved livestock husbandry practices such as night penning.

Comparison of Safety and Efficacy of Intrastromal Injections of Voriconazole, Amphotericin B and Natamycin in Cases of Recalcitrant Fungal Keratitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective

To compare the safety and efficacy of intrastromal voriconazole (IS-VCZ), amphotericin B (IS-AMB) and natamycin (IS-NTM) as an adjunct to topical natamycin (NTM) in cases of recalcitrant fungal keratitis.

Design

Prospective randomized trial.

Setting

Tertiary eye centre.

Participants

Sixty eyes of 60 patients with microbiologically proven recalcitrant fungal keratitis (ulcer size >2 mm, depth >50% of stroma, and not responding to topical NTM therapy for two weeks) were recruited.

Methods

patients were randomized into three groups of 20 eyes, each receiving ISVCZ 50ug/0.1 mL, ISAMB, 5ug/0.1 mL and ISNTM 10ug/0.1 mL (prepared aseptically in ocular pharmacology). The patients in all three groups continued topical NTM 5% every four hours until the ulcer healed. Primary outcome measure was time taken till complete clinical resolution of infection, and secondary outcome measure was best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at six months.

Results

All three groups had comparable baseline parameters. The mean duration of healing was significantly better (p=0.02) in the ISNTM group (34±5.2 days) as compared to the ISVCZ group (36.1±4.8 days) and the ISAMB group (39.2±7.2 days). About 95%, 90% and 95% patients healed successfully in the ISVCZ, ISAMB and ISNTM groups, respectively. In terms of healing, deep vascularization was significantly greater in the ISAMB group (55%, p=0.02) when compared to the ISVCZ and ISNTM groups (31% and 26%, respectively). There were fewer repeat injections in the ISNTM group (7/20 vs 8/20 and 9/20 in the ISVCZ and ISNTM groups, respectively).

Conclusion

Intrastromal injections are a safe and effective adjunct to conventional therapy in the management of recalcitrant fungal keratitis. ISNTM had a similar visual outcome with faster healing while ISAMB had a higher rate of deep vascularization after healing.

Quantifying the drivers of urban expansion in Nepal

The Tarai region of Nepal is regarded as the food bowl of Nepal, and yet urban areas have increased in size at an average annual rate of 12% for the 30 years since 1988/1989, largely at the expense of prime agricultural land. Nepal is recognized internationally as highly sensitive to food security with 40% of its population undernourished. To aid future planning and reduce potential further loss of agricultural land and consequent increased food insecurity, we here investigated the previously unknown factors underlying this rapid urban expansion. We achieved this through analyses of land use and land cover (LULC) data, population, and climatic data, in association with focus group discussions and questionnaire surveys. We found that socioeconomic factors were perceived to have made the highest (62%) contribution to urbanization, particularly migration-led population growth and the economic opportunities offered by urban areas, followed by political factors (14.5%), physical factors (12%), and planning and policy factors (11.5%). In addition, climate and physiographic features make the area attractive for urban development along with favorable government plans and policies. Accelerated urban expansion during this period was particularly driven by mass migration due to political upheaval in the country resulting in rapid population and urban center growth. Of the total 293 urban centers in the country, the Tarai region includes 150 (51.2%) of which 77 (26.3%) are located in province 2 alone and accommodate 17.2% of Nepal's households. This increasing urbanization trend is expected to continue in the future due to current socioeconomic and demographic factors. We hope our results which show what has driven past urbanization will aid future urban planning and management of the Tarai as well as other similar regions elsewhere in the world. We also identified that such rapid urban growth is largely at the cost of populations in rural areas with rural depopulation resulting in agriculture being abandoned in some areas. Given Nepal's sensitivity to food security and lower food production, this will be an increasing problem for the future.

Wildlife assessment of the Chandragiri hills, Kathmandu: Potentiality for ecotourism

Wildlife assessments can provide crucial information regarding species richness, relative abundance and spatial, temporal, and ecological information on wildlife habitat associations. The assessment’s information can in turn be used for developing management policies including for establishing touristic zones. We investigated wildlife occurrences in the Chandragiri Hills, Kathmandu Nepal from 2015-2019 to provide baseline data to inform the potential sites for ecotourism. During the study period, we recorded 30 mammal species, 199 bird species, 34 herpetofauna species and 77 butterfly species. The area harbors three globally and six nationally threatened mammal species, two globally and seven nationally threatened with one endemic bird species, one globally and nationally threatened herpetofauna, and one nationally threatened butterfly species. We also explored four potential hiking routes for observing wildlife and providing scenic views of the Himalayan range and Kathmandu city. Therefore, we expect Chandragiri Hills can become one of the hot spot for tourists to observe both common and threatened wildlife species in Nepal.

Solid--cystic papillary tumor of pancreas

A case of Solid and Cystic Papillary Epithelial Tumor of Pancreas displaying low grade malignancy occurring in a 38 years old female is presented. It is a rare condition and could be diagnosed histopathologically after complete excision.

Prostate specific antigen as tumor marker: relationship with histologic grading

PSA is emerging as the best marker in oncology and had a profound impact on all aspects of prostate cancer care. From clinically suspected prostate tumor, 395 serum samples were taken out and estimated for serum PSA. Among elevated serum PSA, 98 were correlated with histologic findings. 42(42.8%) cases were BHP among 98 cases and 78.7% had serum PSA level within 10 ng/ml. 5 patients (5.1%) had PIN histologically, 3(60%) of which had PSA level upto 10 ng/ml and 2(40%) had serum PSA upto 20 ng/ml. 51(52%) were adenocarcinoma prostate of different grades and PSA level varies from less than 10 ng/ml to more than 50 ng/ml which almost correlates with the tumor grades.

Prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus coinfection in chronic liver disease

Coinfection with HBV and HCV may lead to serious consequences. The present study was done to find out the prevalence of coinfection in patients with chronic liver disease. From patients with hepatitis and chronic liver disease 1673 samples were received and analysed for HBsAg by ELISA. 1342 samples were analysed for anti HCV by third generation ELISA. 493 samples positive for HBsAg were also analysed for Anti HCV to see the prevalence of coinfection. 15(3.0%) were found positive for both HBsAg and anti HCV. Out of 15 patients with coinfection 4 (26.6%) had HCC. Prevalence of HCC in patients with coinfection was higher than either infection alone i.e. HBV-9.1% and HCV-16.5%.

Role of enzyme linked immunosorbent assay in the diagnosis of suspected cases of genito urinary tuberculosis

The aim of study was evaluation of the utility of ELISA test using A60 Antigen for rapid diagnosis of Genitourinary Tuberculosis in various age groups. ELISA test based on mycobacterial antigen A60 (Anda biological, France) was used to estimate specific IgG antibodies in the sera of fifty four suspected cases of Genito urinary tuberculosis. (GUT)Sera of 30 montoux negative healthy adults (age/sex matched) were taken as control by detecting IgG anti bodies to A60 antigen. It was concluded from this study that IgM was positive in 87.0% of cases.

Fasciolopsis buski (giant intestinal fluke)--a case report

A girl, aged 20 years presented with diarrhoea, vomiting, pain abdomen and loss of weight, the routine Stool examination revealed Fasciolopsis buski (giant intestinal fluke) in large numbers. Despite treatment with Praziquantel, she died after three days.

Evaluation of thyroid hormones in chronic renal failure

When chronic renal failure becomes advanced, the serum levels of most hormones are altered because of several interplaying mechanisms. This study was carried out to evaluate the level of total thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3) and thyrotropin (TSH) in 96 clinically euthyriod patient with chronic renal failure and 25 healthy individual as control. The patients were grouped into two groups, 62 patient on conservative management and 34 patients on chronic haemodialysis. The patient of both groups showed significant decrease in total T3 and T4 level as compared to normal control. Serum TSH level were similar in both groups as well as in control and were with in normal limit except 3 patients on conservative management which showed TSH level above normal chronic haemodialysis did not have positive effect in alteration of serum T3, T4 and TSH level.

Retroperitonial, teratoma as fetus in fetu--a case report

We report a rare case of Retroperitonial teratoma containing Axial Skeleton long bone. Jaw, pelvis & scapula in a 27 yrs old male. Aberration in monozygotic twinning may rarely present as Fetus in Fetu. Rarer is presentation in Adult.

Strategies for purification of four reproductive hormones from the same batch of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) pituitaries

The occurrence of different reproductive hormones like LH, FSH, TSH and prolactin, in different side fractions obtained during the extraction of buffalo pituitary glands either by the procedure of Papkoff et al. [Arch Biochem Biophys, 111 (1965) 431] or by that of Ellis [Endocrinology, 69 (1961) 554], was examined with the aid of antisera to respective heterologous hormones as well as bio-assays. Thus in the procedure of Papkoff et al., the SP-Sephadex fractions could be taken for purification of LH and TSH, while the acid pellet yielded prolactin. Further it was shown that 50% (NH4)2SO4 could be directly size fractionated and following cation exchange chromatography yields LH and TSH. FSH could be purified from 80% ammonium sulphate pellet. In another protocol of Ellis, differential extraction and chromatographic separation yielded all the four reproductive hormones. Some of the physico-chemical and immunobiological characteristics of these hormones are described.

Heterogeneity in buffalo lutropin

Lutropin (LH-1) from water buffaloes has been shown to exhibit microheterogeneity in the N-terminal amino-acid sequence of its alpha-subunit. The beta-subunit did not exhibit such microheterogeneity. Another protocol of purification yielded a preparation of buffalo LH (bu LH-2) different from the buffalo LH-1 in certain physico-chemical properties like ease of dissociation into subunits, sugar composition, isoelectric point, and elution profile on S-200. Data appear to indicate the presence of more than one form of buffalo lutropin.