Habitat requirements of the Himalayan red panda (Ailurus fulgens) and threat analysis in Jigme Dorji National Park, Bhutan

Understanding the influence of anthropogenic disturbances on species’ habitat use and distribution is critical to conservation managers in planning effective conservation strategies and mitigating the impact of development. Few studies have focused on the Himalayan red panda (Ailurus fulgens) in Bhutan. This study aimed to assess the habitat requirements and threats to this endangered species in the Khamaed sub-district of the Jigme Dorji National Park, Bhutan. We employed a transect walk and plot-sampling survey design across two seasons, i.e. winter and spring. In total, we surveyed 84 x 50 m radius circular plots along 51 km of existing trails within a 25.4 km2 study area. At 500 m intervals, we established plots at random distances and direction from the trail. We recorded direct sightings (n = 2) and indirect signs (n = 14), such as droppings and footprints as evidence of red panda presence within an altitudinal range of 2,414 – 3,618 m. We also noted 21 tree and 12 understory species within plots with red panda evidence; the dominant tree species was the Himalayan hemlock (Tsuga dumosa) and the Asian barberry (Berberis asiatica) as an understory species. Red panda presence showed a significant positive association with distance to water sources and fir forests. Plant disturbance and infrastructure, such as power transmission lines, were identified as prominent anthropogenic threats in the study area. Based on our findings, we recommend the development and implementation of local forest management plans, livestock intensification programs and strict application of environmental impact assessment regulations to promote the conservation of the red panda in the region

Tiger abundance and ecology in Jigme Dorji National Park, Bhutan

Conservation of large carnivores, especially, wild tigers (Panthera tigris) require an accurate population estimate and knowledge of their ecology. Camera traps have been widely used to estimate the population abundance of animals with unique natural markings, cryptic behaviour, and low population density. This study aimed to assess tiger abundance and density, home range, and activity pattern in Jigme Dorji National Park (JDNP), Bhutan. We carried out camera traps from October 2021 to January 2022. A total of 56 camera stations (a pair in each station) was installed in a 5 × 5 km2 grid along the latitudinal gradient of 1200–4300 m. With the sampling effort of 1528 trap nights, 478 tiger images were captured in 12 stations (21.4 % of the camera stations). Their unique stripe patterns identified six tigers (4 male and 2 female). We estimated tiger abundance of 15.16 ± SE 5.41 (9.13–32.79) and a density of 0.263 ± SE 0.115 (0.116–0.601 individuals) per 100 km2. The home range analysis at 50 % kernel density estimators indicated 151 km2 and 90 km2 as the home range for the male and the female tiger, respectively. The activity pattern of the tigers in JDNP indicated crepuscular type with peak activity in 17:00–18:00 h. The tiger activity pattern strongly overlaps with the activity pattern of the Himalayan serow (Capricornis thar). The current study ascertains JDNP as an important tiger conservation area and can be a source for tiger population for other protected areas and Territorial Divisions. We recommend timely monitoring of tiger and their prey base population, and habitat through enhanced Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) patrolling programs.