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  DOI Prefix   10.20431


 

International Journal of Research Studies in Zoology
Volume 4, Issue 3, 2018, Page No: 22-27

Bubalus arnee Forage under Threat: An Assessment of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal

Tej Kumar Shrestha1, Sunita Shrestha2, Saroj Koirala2, Anish Parajuli2, Pawan Paudyal2, Bijaya Mishra2, Milan Sapkota3, Lok Nath Ghimire4

1.Khwopa College, Bhaktapur, Nepal
2.Lumbini Environmental Services Pvt. Ltd., Kathmandu, Nepal
3.Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Kathmandu, Nepal
4.Ministry of Forests and Environment, Kathmandu, Nepal

Citation : Tej Kumar Shrestha,et.al, Bubalus arnee Forage under Threat: An Assessment of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal International Journal of Research Studies in Zoology 2018, 4(3) : 22-27

Abstract

Wild water buffalo (Bubalus arnee) are categorized as endangered on the IUCN Red list, with global population of less than 4000 individuals distributed over less than 20,000 km2 in Nepal, India, Srilanka, Bhutan, Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand. In Nepal Bubalus arnee is locally called Arna or Jungali bhainshi is larger and heavier than domestic buffalo weighing from 800 to 1200 kg. They are probably grazers by preference, feeding mainly on grasses, but also eat herbs, fruits, barks and browse trees and shrubs. There were 432 Bubalus arnee in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in 2016. Threats were identified through literature review and verified during the sample plots survey, questionnaire and expert views. 50 foraging plots were set where fresh dung of Bubalus arnee existed and recorded in survey form. Six potential threats were identified viz flooding, domestic cattle grazing, collection of forest products, invasive plant species, forest fire and shrinking habitat. Flooding and domestic cattle were highly significant threats to the foraging plants. Measures to control threats will perhaps help to protect the human wildlife conflict in the area.


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