An update on the Tibetan argali Ovis ammon hodgsoni in Nepal

In Nepal, the Tibetan argali Ovis ammon hodgsoni was documented from the Mustang and Humla districts until 2013. In 2016, we observed a young ram in the Dolpa district, providing the third locality record. We compiled historical data and our own observation data from 2013 to 2016 to discuss the present distribution of the Tibetan argali in Nepal. We suggest reassessing the National Red List to reclassify it as either "endangered" or "vulnerable". We recommend management of livestock numbers, promotion of traditional practice of rotational grazing and raising conservation awareness, especially among herders visiting the argali habitat, for long-term conservation of the species in Nepal

Wild yak Bos mutus in Nepal: rediscovery of a flagship species

Wild yak Bos mutus is believed to have gone extinct from Nepal. Various searches in the last decade failed to document its presence. In Humla district, far-western Nepal, we used observation from transects and vantage points, sign survey on trails, and informal discussions to ascertain the presence of wild yak in 2013 (May–June) and 2014 (June–July). Direct sightings of two individuals and hoof marks, dung piles, pelts, and head of an individual killed in 2012 confirmed its presence. The wild yak has an uncertain national status with confirmed records only from Humla district. Further research in the higher Himalayan regions of Humla and other districts is urgently needed to evaluate wild yak status combined with immediate conservation actions to protect the remaining individuals

Wild yak Bos mutus in Nepal: rediscovery of a flagship species

Wild yak Bos mutus is believed to have gone extinct from Nepal. Various searches in the last decade failed to document its presence. In Humla district, far-western Nepal, we used observation from transects and vantage points, sign survey on trails, and informal discussions to ascertain the presence of wild yak in 2013 (May–June) and 2014 (June–July). Direct sightings of two individuals and hoof marks, dung piles, pelts, and head of an individual killed in 2012 confirmed its presence. The wild yak has an uncertain national status with confirmed records only from Humla district. Further research in the higher Himalayan regions of Humla and other districts is urgently needed to evaluate wild yak status combined with immediate conservation actions to protect the remaining individuals

Decline in small mammal species richness in coastal‐central California, 1997–2013

Abstract The richness and composition of a small mammal community inhabiting semiarid California oak woodland may be changing in response to climate change, but we know little about the causes or consequence of these changes. We applied a capture‐mark‐recapture model to 17 years (1997–2013) of live trapping data to estimate species‐specific abundances. The big‐eared woodrat was the most frequently captured species in the area, contributing 58% of total captures. All small mammal populations exhibited seasonal fluctuations, whereas those of the California mouse, brush mouse, and pinyon mouse declined during the study period. We also applied a multispecies dynamic occupancy model to our small mammal detection history data to estimate species richness, occupancy (ψ), detection (p), local extinction (ϵ), and colonization (γ) probabilities, and to discern factors affecting these parameters. We found that ψ decreased from 0.369 ± 0.088 in 1997 to 0.248 ± 0.054 in 2013; γ was lower during the dry season (May–September) than the wet season (October–April) and was positively influenced by total seasonal rainfall (slope parameter, β = 0.859 ± 0.371; 95% CI = 0.132–1.587). Mean mammalian species richness decreased from 11.943 ± 0.461 in 1997 to 7.185 ± 0.425 in 2013. With highly variable climatic patterns expected in the future, especially increased frequency and intensity of droughts, it is important to monitor small mammal communities inhabiting threatened California oak woodlands

COVID-19 Highlights the Need for More Effective Wildlife Trade Legislation

Zoonosis-based epidemics are inevitable unless we revisit our relationship with the natural world, protect habitats, and regulate wildlife trade, including live animals and non-sustenance products. To prevent future zoonoses, governments must establish effective legislation addressing wildlife trade, protection of habitats, and reduction of the wildlife-livestock-human interface