This study explored bird diversity, seasonal variation, and associated factors along an elevational gradient in an important biodiversity area (IBA) of central Nepal: the Kaligandaki River basin of Annapurna Conservation Area.  The field survey was carried out in 2019 over two seasons, winter (January and February) and summer (May and June) using the point count method.  A total of 90 sampling plots were set up from elevations of 800m (Beni) to 3,800m (Muktinath).  Data for variables including the number of fruiting trees (indicator of resource availability) and distance to the road (indicator of disturbance) were collected, and their influence on avian diversity were assessed.  The results revealed a diverse assemblage of avian fauna in the study area with consistent species richness over the two seasons.  A decline in species richness and diversity with increasing elevation was observed.  Of the different habitat types within the study area, forest and shrubland habitats showed the strongest association with bird species distribution and richness.  We emphasize the need for long-term monitoring programs with standardized sampling approaches to better understand the avifauna in the central Himalaya.

Knowing reproductive behavior is important for establishing a viable population of nationally endangered blackbuck in Nepal. This study explored the behavioral events and states associated with copulatory mountings in blackbuck by focal animal sampling method under semienclosed conditions of Hirapurphanta within Shuklaphanta National Park, Nepal. We recorded different behavioral initiations for the mating reproductive activities and the behaviors followed after copulatory mounting. Four dominant adult males were used as a subject. The highest number of copulatory mountings was observed during the months of February–March. Among the diurnal observational phases, the highest number of copulatory mountings was recorded during 9.00–12.00 hours followed by 15.00 hours onwards. Copulatory mounting was significantly preceded by sniffing the vulva of female and showing flehmen response, whereas copulatory mounting was followed by walking.

Status and distribution of red panda outside the protected area are poorly explored in Nepal despite of occupying the large share of potential red panda habitat. This study attempted to identify the factors affecting distribution and habitat association of red panda in Bhojpur district, Nepal. Bhalukhola Forest Patch, Kholakharka Forest Patch and Silichung Forest Patches were selected as intensive study sites. Altitudinal line intercepts method and sign surveys were applied to determine the distribution of red panda along different elevations. Quadrate method was implemented to explore the habitat association of the species. Twenty-four altitudinal transects each of 1,000 m on every 100 m altitude were surveyed following contour lines from the elevation of 2,400 m to 3,550 m. All the data were analysed by using Microsoft Excel 2016, ArcGIS 10.4 and Past 3.26 Software. Generalized Linear Model (GLM) was used to assess the influence of elevation and habitat parameters (predictor variables) with presence of red panda i.e. pellet frequency (response variable). Red panda was confirmed in all the surveyed forest patches between 2,700 m to 3,000 m altitude. In addition, 44 tree species were documented from red panda sign plots, out of which most common was Pinus roxburghii (77.39), Rhododendron arboretum (29.35), Tsuga dumosa (28.51) and Rhododendron grande (22.06). Based on the habitat association analysis, GLM revealed that elevation (R2=0.23), bamboo canopy cover (P˂ 0.01), tree canopy cover (P˂ 0.01), bamboo density (P˂ 0.01), and distance to settlement (P˂ 0.01) were positively associated with red panda presence. Likewise, tree height (P˂ 0.01), distance to water source (P˂ 0.01) and DBH of tree (P˂ 0.01) were negatively associated. The most preferred aspect was found to be North-West (31%) with the average slope of 30o. Tree branches were mostly used substrate by the red panda for defecation (56.36%). Mostly used tree species for defecation was Hymenodictylon excelsum (26%). This study has provided vivid information about the presence of red panda in one of the potential regions outside protected area. Further research should be conducted to find out distribution pattern, abundance and association of red panda with different habitat characteristics throughout the Bhojpur district.