Factors influencing the habitat selection of Mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) and its conservation threats in the Rapti River of Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Nishan, K.C; Neupane, Bijaya; Belbase, Bibek; Dhami, Bijaya; Bist, Bhuwan Singh; Basyal, Chitra Rekha; Bhattarai, Santosh

doi:10.1016/j.gecco.2023.e02406

Cited by 3 publications

(6 citation statements)

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“…(2018) reported a relatively higher number of Gharials ( n = 33) in BNP compared to our study, possibly due to the use of a different survey method, namely the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). While majority of Gharial studies (including this) (Bashyal et al., 2021; Chowfin & Leslie, 2014; Neupane et al., 2020; Nishan et al., 2023; Rajbhandari & Acharya, 2015; Singh & Rao, 2017) in multiple sites in India and Nepal employed visual encounter surveys (Crump et al., 1994) while sailing random transects along riverine habitat to estimate the Gharial population size.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The rationale behind this strategy was that the habitat characteristics would differ significantly at 500 m intervals, and it was less likely that basking Gharials would move across consecutive stations during the survey. Several studies (Bhattarai et al., 2022; Lamichhane et al., 2022; Nishan et al., 2023) have utilized similar methods and assumptions for assessing habitat characteristics of various species of crocodiles, including the Gharials (Neupane et al., 2020). Habitat types were assessed on both sides of the river (left and right bank) at every survey station and at each Gharial sighting location.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This study was conducted during post‐winter season in Nepal, between February and March 2023. This season is considered as favorable season for Gharial survey and monitoring because of low water level in the river channels compared to other seasons (Nishan et al., 2023). Further, the mild weather during this period allows Gharials to bask on the riverbank for a longer duration, thereby increasing the likelihood of sighting them (Adhikari et al., 2019).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The mid‐river depth was estimated using a long‐calibrated bamboo stick which was scaled at every 5 cm interval. River substrate type and presence/absence of [anthropogenic disturbance, invasive alien plant species (such as Lantana camara, Ageratum houstonianum , and Chromolaena odorata ) and basking sites] were virtually estimated (Neupane et al., 2020; Nishan et al., 2023). To avoid the misidentification of the invasive alien species, primary author captured the high‐resolution photograph of the recorded invasive species and conducted a taxonomic validation by cross‐referencing it with the Book “Invasions of Alien Plant Species in Nepal” authored by Shrestha and Shrestha (2021).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Bashyal et al (2021) Presence/absence of anthropogenic disturbance [P.A.AD] Disturbance variable Categorical Evidence of any anthropogenic disturbance (washing clothes, cattle presence, grass collection, elephant rides, human walking trails, fishing, non-timber forest products (NTFPs) collection, swimming, gabion wall dikes) present = "1," absent = "0" at each sampling station and sighting location. Nishan et al (2023) Presence/absence of alien invasive plant species [P.A.Inv]CategoricalEvidence of any alien invasive plant species present = "1," absent = "0" at each sampling station and sighting location Nishan et al (2023).…”

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Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) conservation in Bardia National Park, Nepal: Assessing population structure and habitat characteristics along the river channel amidst infrastructure development

Dhami,

Maraseni,

Thapa

et al. 2023

Ecology and Evolution

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Nepal initiated numerous hydropower and irrigation‐related infrastructure projects to enhance and promote green energy, water security, and agricultural productivity. However, these projects may pose risks to natural habitats and the well‐being of aquatic fauna, leading to significant effects on delicate ecosystems. To understand these potential impacts, it is crucial to gather reliable baseline data on the population status and habitat characteristics of species. This study specifically focuses on Gharials (Gavialis gangeticus), a critically endangered species. We recorded data on pre‐determined habitat variables at stations spaced 500 m apart along the two major river streams of Bardia National Park, as well as at locations where Gharials were sighted between February and March 2023. We used binary logistic regression with a logit link function to investigate the habitat characteristics related to the occurrence of Gharials. The presence/absence of Gharials at sampling points served as the dependent variable, while 10 other predetermined variables (ecological variables and disturbance variables) served as independent variables. Our study recorded 23 Gharials, comprising 14 adults, six sub‐adults, and three juveniles, with a sex ratio of 55.56 males per 100 females. Most individuals (83%) were found basking. Among the 10 habitat predictors, three variables (mid‐river depth, river width, and water temperature) were significantly correlated (p < .05) with the probability of Gharial occurrence. The model shows that Gharial detection probability increases with greater mid‐river depth and width and lower water temperature. This study establishes a population baseline for Gharials within the river system before the construction of large infrastructure projects, such as dams and irrigation canals. It also recommends continuous monitoring of Gharial populations after water release and/or diversion to evaluate the impact of large infrastructure projects on the population and their associated habitat characteristics. This will help enable more informed and targeted conservation efforts.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) conservation in Bardia National Park, Nepal: Assessing population structure and habitat characteristics along the river channel amidst infrastructure development

Dhami,

Maraseni,

Thapa

et al. 2023

Ecology and Evolution

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Cannibalism by a Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) in the Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh, India

Ugemuge,

Badhawan,

Gupta

et al. 2023

RandA

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Ecological and anthropogenic factors influencing the Summer habitat use of Bos gaurus and its conservation threats in Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Poudel,

Pokhrel,

Neupane

et al. 2024

PeerJ

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Background Gaur (Bos gaurus) is listed as a vulnerable species in the IUCN Red List of threatened species due to the rapid population decline caused by human pressures in their habitats. To develop successful conservation plans, it is essential to understand the relationship between Gaur and their habitats. This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing Gaur habitat use and identify and rank conservation threats in Chitwan National Park, Nepal. Methods Using line transect surveys, we recorded Gaur’s presence via direct sightings and indirect signs (dung, footprints, horns) over an area of 176 km2 in July and August 2022. We used binary logistic regression models to determine the collected ecological and anthropogenic factors influencing the occurrence of Gaur and the relative whole-site threat ranking method to rank conservation threats. Results The results revealed that the probability of Gaur occurrence increases with moderate to high canopy cover, riverine and Shorea robusta dominated forests, and nearest distance to road/path/firelines, while decreasing with the presence of predators. Uncontrolled fire, invasive species, human disturbances, and climate change were ranked as the most prevailing threats to Gaur in our study area. Conservation managers should implement effective habitat management interventions, such as construction of waterhole, firelines maintenance, grassland management, and control of invasive species in the potential habitats, to safeguard and maintain the sustainability of Gaur populations and associated herbivores. Future studies should consider larger geographical settings and multiple seasons, and habitat suitability assessments should be conducted to determine current and future suitable habitat refugia for Gaur and other threatened wildlife species at the landscape level.

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Factors influencing the habitat selection of Mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) and its conservation threats in the Rapti River of Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Cited by 3 publications

References 29 publications

Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) conservation in Bardia National Park, Nepal: Assessing population structure and habitat characteristics along the river channel amidst infrastructure development

Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) conservation in Bardia National Park, Nepal: Assessing population structure and habitat characteristics along the river channel amidst infrastructure development

Cannibalism by a Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) in the Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh, India

Ecological and anthropogenic factors influencing the Summer habitat use of Bos gaurus and its conservation threats in Chitwan National Park, Nepal

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