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Showing 5 results for Subedi
A case of unilateral anophthalmy in the Burmese python, Python bivittatus Kuhl, 1820 (Squamata: Pythonidae) from Nepal
Santosh Bhattarai, Babu Ram Lamichhane, Naresh Subedi,
Volume 3, Issue 1 (3-2021)
Abstract
Abnormalities in reptiles have been mostly reported from captive individuals. Here, we report a case of unilateral anophthalmy in the Burmese python Python bivittatus for the first time from Chitwan National Park, Nepal. Reptiles exposed to various pollutants, such as pesticides, can develop morphological abnormalities. The present report from a human-dominated landscape is an opportunistic observation of a rescued snake. We suggest a more systematic, collection-based, research program to reveal the possible causative agents and the degree of their effect on herpetofauna in Nepal.

Tigers in the Himalayan foothills: Possible linkage between two tiger population clusters in Terai Arc Landscape, Nepal
Naresh Subedi, Babu Ram Lamichhane, Yajna Nath Dahal, Ram Chandra Kandel, Madhuri Karki Thapa, Rajan Regmi, Binod Shrestha,
Volume 3, Issue 2 (6-2021)
Abstract
Conserving tigers (Panthera tigris) in highly fragmented landscapes is a daunting task. Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) at the base of the Himalayas aims to connect the remaining Tiger habitats in southern Nepal and northwestern India. Tiger population clusters in central (Chitwan-Parsa) and western (Bardia-Banke) Nepal are distinct with limited connectivity in recent past. We present the photographic evidence of Bengal tiger (P. tigris tigris) from forest patch between these population clusters for the first time. The photographs were obtained during camera trap survey across Chure region of Nepal in 2018. Two adult tigers–a female and a male—were photographed ~40 km apart. This record indicates the possibility that tiger habitat extends outside the protected areas in Nepal and natural linkages between Chitwan-Parsa and Bardia-Banke tiger population clusters through forest corridors along the Chure region. Conservation efforts should also focus on the forests outside protected areas especially the critical biological corridors to conserve tigers in TAL via a meta-population approach.

Rusty-spotted cat Prionailurus rubiginosus (I. Geoffroy Saint-Hillaire) camera trapped in the Bardia-Banke complex of Western Terai Arc Landscape, Nepal
Shailendra Kumar Yadav, Babu Ram Lamichhane, Naresh Subedi, Hari Bhadra Acharya, David W. Macdonald, Amy Fitzmaurice,
Volume 3, Issue 4 (12-2021)
Abstract
The Rusty-spotted Cat Prionailurus rubiginosus is a ‘Near Threatened’ small felid native to South Asia. It was believed to occur only in India and Sri Lanka, but recent studies confirmed its presence in the Bardia National Park (BNP) and Shuklaphanta National Park, Nepal. Here we add evidence of the species in the Banke National Park (BaNP) in 2013 and Bardia National Park (BNP) in 2017. A pair of motion sensor cameras was installed either side of the game trail, forest road or stream bed, maximizing the possibility of tiger capture. Cameras were active for a minimum of 15 days in each sampling location. Camera trap photos were systematically sorted species- wise. A photograph of a single individual rusty-spotted cat was obtained in BaNP in the hot dry season (April–May) of 2013. The camera trap location in BaNP lies in dry- deciduous Sal Shoresa robusta forest at a distance of approximately 4.3 km from the nearest settlements. Additional photographs of rusty-spotted cat were obtained in BNP during the camera trap survey conducted in the dry season (January-April) of 2017. Importantly, the BNP detections confirm the presence of rusty-spotted cats in community forests outside protected areas. These findings reinforce mounting evidence of the value of observations of elusive species made as by-catch from camera-trapping studies focused on tigers or other large charismatic fauna, especially in the context of extending information on poorly known geographical ranges.

Exploring habitat suitability for Bubalus arnee (Kerr, 1792) (Mammalia: Artiodactyla: Bovidae) and its interplay with domestic cattle within Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
Ashish Subedi, Rajeev Joshi, Santosh Ghimire, Sewak Bhatta, Kripa Pokhrel,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (10-2023)
Abstract

The wild water buffalo-WWB (Bubalus arnee) holds a significant ecological role within Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal. Despite its importance, there has been a lack of comprehensive research addressing its distribution, habitat suitability, and interaction with domestic cattle. To address these gaps, this study was undertaken with the primary objectives of elucidating the population distribution of B. arnee within the reserve, mapping its habitat suitability, and evaluating the interplay between B. arnee and domestic cattle in the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. The study area was subdivided into cells to gather data on B. arnee presence using various indicators such as sightings, dung, and footprints. Interaction between B. arnee and domestic cattle was assessed based on their spatial overlap within and outside a 500-meter radius from observation points. Employing the MaxEnt algorithm, distribution data of B. arnee and climatic variables including maximum and minimum temperatures, mean temperature, and rainfall were analyzed, while land use and cover maps were acquired from the Department of Survey for further analysis. Results revealed a concentration of B. arnee in the southwest region of the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, with a total of 405 individuals recorded, comprising 26 calves, 6 sub-adults, and 373 adults. The distribution pattern displayed a prevalence of small-sized herds (1–15 individuals) followed by medium-sized (15–29 individuals) and large-sized (29+ individuals) herds. Notably, B. arnee presence was most prominent in grassland areas (approximately 49% of observations), while forested regions accounted for the lowest presence (approximately 10% of observations). Interestingly, domestic buffalo were observed near B. arnee only in a single cell in the southwest section of the study area, while in the eastern cells of the reserve, overlaps between domestic cows and B. arnee occurred within a 500-meter radius. Our study indicated a suitability index greater than or equal to 0.5876, encompassing only about 14% of the reserve's total area. The jackknife test highlighted the influential environmental variables in the model, with annual precipitation contributing around 60.8% and the maximum temperature of the warmest month contributing about 39.20% in determining the distribution of B. arnee. The results underscored the significance of annual precipitation, with a regularized training gain of 0.50, compared to 0.32 for the maximum temperature of the warmest month. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the distribution, habitat suitability, and interaction dynamics of B. arnee within the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, offering valuable insights for informed wildlife management and conservation strategies.


 
Cyprinid (Teleostei: Cypriniformes) diversity and assemblage in south-central Bhutan
Laxmi Sagar, Dhan Bdr Gurung, Karma Wangchuk, Karma L. Wangmo, Rinchen Dorji, Tshering Zangmo, Rupesh Subedi,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (10-2023)
Abstract
Cyprinidae (Teleostei: Cypriniformes) is the predominate family among Bhutan's freshwater fishes, yet significant gaps exist in the knowledge of their diversity and assemblage. Cyprinids were sampled from 54 plots across four river basins (Aiechhu, Jaldakachhu, Mangdechhu, and Punatsangchhu) using systematic sampling at an interval of 5 km. A total of 850 individuals belonging to 22 species and 13 genera were recorded. Aiechhu had the highest diversity and evenness (H’= 1.66±0.28, J’= 0.95±0.03), followed by Punatsangchhu (H’= 1.58±0.34, J’= 0.94±0.04). Meanwhile, Jaldakachhu and Mangdechhu exhibited the lowest diversity and evenness (H’= 0.90±0.66, J’= 0.84±0.54 and H’= 0.54±0.70, J’= 0.38±0.49, respectively). There was a significant difference in diversity among river basins (χ2 (3)= 20.98, p < 0.001) with specific variation between Mangdechhu and Punatsangchhu (Z= 3.80, p= 0.00), Mangdechhu and Aiechhu (Z= 3.35, p= 0.01), and Jaldakachhu and Punatsangchhu (Z= 2.83, p= 0.03). Canonical correspondence analysis indicated that cyprinid assemblage was significantly correlated with environmental variables (r= 0.94, p= 0.001 in axis 1 and r= 0.82, p= 0.001 in axis 2) explaining 77% of variance. Axis 1 was positively correlated with temperature (r= 0.92), total dissolved solids (r= 0.53), conductivity (r= 0.51), and salinity (r= 0.39) and negatively correlated with elevation (r= −0.69). Axis 2 was negatively correlated with total hardness (r= −0.82) and dissolved oxygen (r= −0.65). Cluster analysis identified three clusters based on dominant species. Further studies exploring other river basins of Bhutan are needed to better understand the ecological dynamics of cyprinids in Bhutan.

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