Ecological factors associated with hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus) habitat use and conservation threats in the Terai Arc Landscape of Nepal

The hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus) is one of the most elusive mammals and is listed as an endangered species both globally by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and nationally by National Red list series, Nepal. The species is experiencing a continuous decline across its distribution range due to increasing anthropogenic activities in its habitats. Limited information on the species distribution and the factors affecting its habitat use have restricted site-specific conservation actions. In this study, we aim to identify the current distribution pattern, factors associated with the habitat use of the hispid hare, and prevalent conservation threats in Shuklaphanta National Park (ShNP) of Nepal. We conducted a strip transect-based survey in January and February 2021 across 12 sampling grids of 0.5 km x 0.5 km. The presence of hispid hare was assigned to 1 if any indirect sign of its presence was observed "used plots," otherwise to 0 if any indirect sign of its presence was not observed ("habitat availability plot"). We next measured six habitat predictors (i.e., nearest distance to a water source, ground cover, ground condition, habitat type, dominant plant species, and presence/absence of anthropogenic disturbance) from both types of plots ("used" and "habitat availability plot"). We found that the overall distribution of hispid hare was clumped. Confirming a new distribution location around the Baba Tal area in ShNP will alert conservation managers to the need of a rapid assessment of its presence-absence across the lowlands of Nepal. Except for the nearest distance to a water source, all other five habitat factors influenced the probability of encountering a hispid hare. Out of six threats, four threats (i.e., grassland burning during the breeding season, grassland succession, habitat loss and fragmentation, and thatch collection from woodland) were determined as the most severe for the hispid hare. Our findings will enable park managers and local government to formulate and plan suitable conservation measures to protect this threatened and endangered species and its habitats. In addition, our results will act as a baseline for further research in ShNP and other similar regions.Peer reviewe

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

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.Peer reviewe

Assessment of insulin injection practice among diabetes patients in a tertiary healthcare centre in Nepal: a preliminary study

Proper insulin injection practice is essential for better diabetic control. This study aims to assess the insulin injection practice of patients with diabetes.A cross-sectional study was conducted at Chitwan Medical College Teaching Hospital, Bharatpur, Nepal, from February 2017 to May 2017. Patients injecting insulin through insulin pens ( = 43) for a minimum of 4 weeks were consecutively recruited. Patients' baseline characteristics, current insulin injection technique, insulin transportation practice, complications of insulin injection, disposal practice of used needle, and acceptability of insulin were recorded. Descriptive statistics were performed using IBM-SPSS 20.0.The insulin injection technique of patients and their relatives was inadequate. The majority of patients and their relatives (25, 58.1%) mentioned that they transport their insulin cartridge without maintaining cold chain. Thirteen patients (30.2%, = 43) reported complications of insulin injection and the most common complication among those patients was bruising (10, 76.9%, = 13). Almost all patients disposed the used needle improperly, and the common method was disposing the needle in a dustbin and then transferring to municipal waste disposal vehicle. Insulin was accepted by just 16 (37.2%) patients.There was a significant gap between the insulin delivery recommendation through insulin pen and current insulin injection practice

Drug Act 1978 of Nepal: A Critical Analysis

Background: With the enactment of the Drug Act in 1978, through the establishment of different bodies under the act, drug-related activities have been regulated and controlled in Nepal so as to provide safe and efficacious drugs of standard quality to the general public.  However, with the overgrowing use of drugs, cosmetics, biotechnological products, nutraceuticals, and veterinary products in the present market and the present act failing to include these aspects, this paper tries to critically analyze the Drug Act 1978 of Nepal which will comprise strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats faced in current scenario regarding the act. The regulation of drugs in Nepal was started with the enactment of the Drugs Act in 1978 AD, which is being carried out by the Department of Drug Administration as provisioned in the section 5 of the act. To facilitate the proper implementation of the act, various rules, regulations and guidelines are framed. The objective of this study was to explore the areas to improve in the Drugs Act and help foster the use of safe, efficacious and quality drugs. Method: The Drugs Act 1978 was critically analyzed focusing on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the act as of current scenario. Result: After critically analyzing the drugs act 1978 we found out that there is lack in regulations of use of cosmetics, newer biotechnology products, nutraceuticals, veterinary product, innovative pharmaceutical products as well as the online pharmacy services. Conclusion: A major amendment and periodic revision is required with the consequence of meeting timely needs and promoting the idea of safety and efficacy in drug related activities