Showing 6 results for Phuntsho
Jigme Tshelthrim Wangyal, Tandel Zangpo, Sonam Phuntsho,
Volume 3, Issue 1 (3-2021)
Abstract
We report the discovery of the Sikkim Frog, Ombrana sikimensis from Central Bhutan’s Zhemgang district, in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. The frog which is found residing in a clean perennial stream is used by the local for consumption. It is supposed to heal stomach related ailments in human beings. This record will help Bhutan understand the use of the species and help in prioritizing conservation and the importance of the species.
Lam Norbu, Phuntsho Thinley, Ugyen Dechen, Bal Krishna Koirala, Tshering Dorji, Dawa Tshering, Pasang Dorji, Sonam Tobgay,
Volume 4, Issue 2 (6-2022)
Abstract
A rarely recorded small carnivore, the Spotted linsang (Prionodon pardicolor), is among Asia’s least studied members of the family Prionodontidae. We report the first photographic evidence of its presence from the Tashigang Forest Division of eastern Bhutan. A non-invasive camera trap survey during the nationwide tiger survey in 2014–2015 and an opportunistic wildlife monitoring exercise in 2020 photo trapped the species on two independent occasions. On the first occasion the individual was recorded at the altitude of 2,308 m a.s.l. and the later at 2,952 m a.s.l. The main threats to the species in the region are not currently well known, highlighting the importance of additional studies to ascertain its distribution and status in the Tashigang Forest Division.
Jigme Tenzin, Yeshi Phuntsho, Dr. Phuntsho Thinley, Karma Tenzin,
Volume 4, Issue 3 (9-2022)
Abstract
In Bhutan, protected areas constitute 51.4% of the total geographical area, out of which 7.7% is designated biological corridors (BCs) that serve as connectors between protected areas. The biological corridor (BC-03) constitutes a total area of 407.7 km² and connects Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary in the west, Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park and Royal Manas National Park in the north and southeast through Sarpang–Tsirang District landscapes. However, most BCs, including BC-03, lack comprehensive inventories of mammal species. We conducted joint rapid biodiversity assessment (RBA) using camera trap surveys from November 2019 to February 2020. Our findings from BC-03 include records of 26 mammal species belonging to 11 families in five orders. Nearly half of these species are listed as Endangered, Vulnerable, or Near Threatened. Overall, the BC-03 landscape was found to support 77.8% of the mammal species of Sarpang District and 21.7% of Bhutan (as per Biodiversity Statistics of Bhutan, 2017). Therefore, BC-03 is of conservation interest. Comprehensive conservation plans, periodic monitoring of keystone species, and restrictions on the expansion of cardamom plantations in BCs are suggested for securing wildlife habitats and ensuring long-term persistence of keystone species, including within BC-03 in southcentral Bhutan.
Lam Norbu, Phuntsho Thinley, Norbu Jamtsho, Lekey Dorji, Pema Tenzin, Tandin Wangchuk, Ugyen Lhendup, Pasang Dorji, Zapa Dorji, Karma Jamtsho, Tshering Dorji, Tandin Jamtsho, Sangay Lodey, Ugyen Dechen,
Volume 4, Issue 3 (9-2022)
Abstract
Hawkmoths are a charismatic, diverse group of moths that are well-studied worldwide. In this study, we explored and presented the first ever comprehensive hawkmoth checklist for Tashigang Forest Division, Bhutan with five new taxa records for the country. We conducted fauna exploration over a period of five years (2017–2021). Data were collected opportunistically from twelve different localities. Online database and the current literature on hawkmoths of Bhutan were referred to for correct species identifications and nomenclature. We recorded a total of 48 species belonging to 23 genera and four subfamilies. Macroglossinae was the most dominant subfamily with 29 species, followed by Smerinthinae with 14 species, Sphinginae with four and Langiinae with one species. Ampelophaga thomasi Kitching and Cadiou, Cechetra subangustata Rothschild, Macroglossum saga Butler, Rhagastis confusa Rothschild and Jordan, and Notonagemia analis R. Felder are here reported as representing five new records to Bhutan. Further investigation in the area and in other parts of Bhutan appear necessary to discover more hawkmoth species and reveal endemism.
Namgay Dorji, Bal Krishna Koirala, Tashi Phuntsho, Yeshi Tshering, Khandu Tshomo, Phuntsho Tobgay,
Volume 4, Issue 3 (9-2022)
Abstract
The Great slaty woodpecker Mulleripicus pulverulentus (Temminck) is a globally threatened bird species and has been categorized as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. We report the first photographic evidence of M. pulverulentus from Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary (PWS), Sarpang district, in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. A group, comprising five individuals, of M. pulverulentus was sighted opportunistically at the study location on 19 April 2022. We recorded the nesting cavities actively used by M. pulverulentus in the forest habitat dominated by Sal trees (Shorea robusta). This study highlights the significance of protecting lowland forests, and mature Sal stands in particular, for conservation of this globally threatened species of bird.
Sherab Jamtsho, Sonam Phuntsho, Tshering Dorji, Lhendup Tharchen,
Volume 5, Issue 2 (6-2023)
Abstract
Pallas’s fish eagle, Haliaeetus leucoryphus (Pallas), is listed as endangered (En) in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species with a global population of 2,500 to 9,999 individuals. It is one of the least known species in Bhutan and assessing its foraging and nesting behavior will be one of the best conservation measures to monitor its status, ecology and conservation threats. Therefore, the nesting behavior of the eagle was observed for two months and chick feeding activities for sixteen weeks at 21 vantage points along a 75 km highway in the Punatshangchu River Valley, Bhutan. Fifty households residing 500 m from the river were interviewed using structured questionnaires to examine their perception towards the eagle. A total of 92% (n= 46) of respondents were aware of the presence of H. leucoryphus in their locality and 78% felt that it is a rare and endangered fishing eagle. However, 84% (n= 42) of respondents were not aware of nesting within their vicinity. The sexes of H. leucoryphus can be differentiated by their plumage and the fledgling was observed approximately one week after the end of the incubation period. It took 112 days for the fledging to leave the nest. The study revealed that the eagle preferred foraging between 7 and 9 AM in the morning and in the afternoon from 1 to 3 PM. The maximum foraging attempts occurred in a pool habitat 54% (n= 37) with a success rate of 78% (n= 54). The hunting and feeding of the fledgling was done by the male and prey delivery in the first two months consisted of 78.5% fish and 19.5% rodents. However, the feeding of fish declined by 35% in the next two months and its diet mainly consisted of small birds. Attacks on the fledgling were done by the crested serpent eagle (Spilornis cheela Latham) (48%), followed by the black eagle Ictinaetus malaiensis (Temminck) (33%).
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