This study has assessed patterns and consequences of park revenue sharing and implementation effectiveness to reduce park-people conflict in the Buffer Zone of Chitwan National Park. To explore programme implementation practice and consequences, two-thirds (n=14) of user committees were selected from the four management sectors. From the sampled committees, a questionnaire survey was randomly taken from user groups (n=100) to collect income and expenditure data. The revenue disbursement trends were favoured in community development works (roads, community buildings and schools) than conflict reduction issues. Fourty-two per cent of the total budget was allocated to infrastructures development, which was followed by conservation and conflict management (35%) and education (9%). Only a small amount of the budget was allocated to alternative energy, construction of animal preventive infrastructures to control wild-animals entering farmland and settlement, and provisions for wildlife damage compensation schemes. A certain part of the revenue should be allocated to wildlife victims. Furthermore, the process of providing relief funds should be shortened and simplified.

The Chinese pangolin is a critically endangered and biologically unique species, yet information on its status, distribution, and habitat preferences is still scarce in Nepal, which limits effective conservation action. This study identified the current burrow density status, distribution pattern, and important habitat parameters associated with Chinese pangolin distribution in Nepal through opportunistic field surveys. Fifty‐four belt transects were examined for the presence of pangolin burrows. For each active burrow (burrow with freshly dug soil, footprints, and scat near the entrance) and old burrow (burrow with compacted soil, presence of dead leaves, and spider web in the entrance), we recorded the geographic coordinates and assessed data on 11 habitat parameters that included elevation, aspect, slope, canopy cover, ground cover, presence or absence of ant and termite colonies, habitat type, soil type, and distances to the nearest water source, road, and settlement. A total of 141 active burrows and 430 old burrows were recorded with an overall clumped distribution {}()S2/a=2.188$$ \left\{\left({S}^2/a\right)=2.188\right\} $$. Active burrow density was estimated to be 1.04 burrows/ha. Of the 11 habitat parameters predicted to influence the probability of encountering pangolin burrows, all parameters were significant except elevation. More than 92% of the burrows were found at elevations between 450 and 750 m and facing either the SE or NW aspect. Similarly, about 90% of the burrows were distributed in areas having slopes between 0% and 30% with moderate to high canopy and ground cover, and located close to water sources, roads, and settlements. Additionally, they strongly preferred forest habitats (with Shorea robusta, Castanopsis indica, Schima wallichii, Clerodendron infortunatum, and Nephrolepis auriculata as the dominant vegetation), areas with red soil, and areas located near ant and termite colonies. Although the study area currently provides suitable habitat for Chinese pangolins, it is slowly being degraded due to increasing rates of forest degradation. Conservation efforts should be increased in order to protect this critically endangered species and their preferred habitats. Finally, our findings reveal the preferred habitat characteristics of Chinese pangolins, which could be instrumental for policy makers and forest managers in making conservation plans for Chinese pangolins.

The food habit of the snow leopard (Uncia uncia) is not always according to the availability of its prey species. The aim of the study was to estimate wild prey densities in Shey-Phoksundo National Park in relation to diet composition. In addition, the study sought to determine livestock depredation status and its frequency of occurrence in the diet of snow leopards. Population density of blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) was estimated by vantage point count methods. Densities of other wild prey species were estimated through line transect methods and analyzed via the DISTANCE 6.0 program. Household surveys (n=250) were conducted to determine livestock numbers and frequency of depredation. Scats (n=40) were analyzed through micro histolysis to determine the diet composition of snow leopards. Himalayan marmots (Marmota himalayana) had the highest density (132.6 animals/ km2), while blue sheep had a density of 2.3 animals/ km2. Most local inhabitants were subsistence farmers, many dependent upon local livestock breeds, with an average holding of 32.6 animals/ household. There was a loss of 3.6 animals/ household annually, with a total depredation rate of 11.1%. Annual loss to snow leopards averaged 1.6 animals/ household and this was the major source of mortality. Blue sheep was the major prey item, with a 30% occurrence in the snow leopard diet. Among the livestock, sheep was the major prey item with a 15% frequency of occurrence in the scat. Food habits of snow leopard were independent of the density of its prey species; there was no proportional relationship between the prey density and the diet of snow leopards.

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