Effects of anthropogenic and ecological factors on Himalayan goral in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, Nepal

The Himalayan goral (Naemorhedus goral) is facing threats, such as habitat degradation and human disturbances, which are increasing. To aid their conservation, it is crucial to understand the anthropogenic and ecological factors that influence Himalayan goral occurrence. We conducted a study in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, Nepal using remote cameras to detect Himalayan gorals during late winter (March 2022) and spring (May 2022). Himalayan gorals were more likely to be detected in late winter (p = 0.253 ± 0.064) compared to spring (p = 0.187 ± 0.056) and the effects of anthropogenic and ecological factors on Himalayan gorals varied between these periods. During late winter, the distance to the nearest human settlement (βsettlement = 1.971 ± 1.147) and the number of other wild ungulates detected (βungulates = 2.954 ± 1.193) had a positive effect on Himalayan goral occurrence. In contrast, only the number of wild ungulate detections (βungulates = 3.262 ± 1.292) had a positive impact on Himalayan goral occupancy during spring. The number of livestock and carnivores detected during each season did not influence Himalayan goral occupancy. Our results highlight the importance of considering ecological and anthropogenic variables in understanding occupancy and distribution of Himalayan gorals to inform species conservation strategies

Spatio-temporal patterns of human-wildlife conflicts and effectiveness of mitigation in Shuklaphanta National Park, Nepal.

Human-wildlife interactions occur where human and wildlife coexist and share common resources including food or shelter. Increasing wildlife populations within protected areas also can increase interactions with humans living adjacent to these areas, resulting in conflicts including human casualty, livestock depredation, crop damage, and property loss. We analyzed six years human-wildlife conflict data from 2016-2021 in the buffer zone of Shuklaphanta National Park and conducted questionnaire survey to investigate factors influencing human-wildlife conflicts. Nineteen people were attacked by wildlife, primarily wild boar (Sus scrofa). Ninety-two livestock were killed by leopard (Panthera pardus), and among these most were sheep or goats killed near ShNP during summer. Crops were most frequently damaged by Asian elephants (Elephas maximus), followed by wild boar. Greatest economic losses were from damage to rice, followed by sugarcane and wheat. Asian elephant was the only reported species to cause structural damage to property (e.g., homes). Majority of respondents (83%) considered that the mitigation techniques that are currently in practice are effective to reduce the conflicts. However, the effectiveness of the mitigation techniques are the species specific, we recommend use of more efficacious deterrents (e.g., electric fencing) for large herbivores and mesh wire fencing with partially buried in the ground. Effective collaboration among different tiers of government, non-governmental organizations, civil societies and affected communities are important to share the best practices and continue to apply innovative methods for impactful mitigation of human-wildlife conflicts in the region

Factors influencing Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) burrow selection in the Chandragiri-Champadevi hills of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

The Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) confronts challenges from illegal hunting, trading, and habitat degradation. Therefore, it is imperative to establish and implement effective conservation strategies at both local and regional levels. However, there is limited information, particularly within the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal, underscoring the significance of local-level habitat characterization for burrowing animals like pangolins. In this context, our study aimed to assess how anthropogenic and environmental factors influence the presence of Chinese pangolins along the elevational gradients of Chandragiri-Champadevi Hills, renowned for the scenic beauty and popular hiking trails within the valley. We conducted surveys of foraging and resting burrows at 72 plots distributed along 12 elevational line transects from 1500 to 2100 m elevational gradients of Chandragiri-Champadevi Hills. Notably, we observed pangolin burrows spanning from 1550 m to 2095 m. With increasing elevation, we recorded a decline in both foraging and resting burrow numbers. Furthermore, our findings indicated an increase in burrow numbers with increasing the distances from roads, whereas burrow numbers decreased with increasing proximity to human settlements. Interestingly, foraging burrows exhibited an increase with noise but a decrease with slope, while resting burrows showed an increase association with higher canopy and ground cover percentages. Our study shows the substantial anthropogenic disturbances in the habitats of Chinese pangolins in the Chandragiri-Champadevi Hills. We recommend managing the human-associated threats to ensure the species conservation at this site-specific area

Robot-assisted laparoscopic augmentation ileocystoplasty in a tubercular bladder

Some of the patients with genitourinary tuberculosis (GUTB) present to the urologist with small contracted bladders or with significant renal damage. [1] Additional reconstructive procedures are often required along with anti-tubercular treatment in these patients. These procedures commonly performed via the open approach, now have the advantage of minimally invasive approach provided by laparoscopic and robotic surgery. The technique of robot-assisted laparoscopic augmentation ileocystoplasty in a patient with a small contracted bladder due to GUTB will be described. The procedure was performed via a completely intra-corporeal technique using an ileal "cap" created from a 15 cm segment of distal ileum which was anastomosed to the urinary bladder bi-valved in the mid-sagittal plane. The procedure lasted for 420 minutes and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 5. At 6 month follow-up, the patient has no irritative urinary symptoms and voiding with insignificant post-void residual urine

Demographic and social information of respondents (n = 300) living adjacent (<500 m) and distant (≥ 500 m) to Shuklaphanta National Park, Nepal.

Parameters include age (years), gender (male or female), education (educated represents people who attended school through grade five or above; uneducated did not attend school), agriculture-based livelihood (people whose primary vocation is agriculture), family size (number of people), and livestock owned (number of all hoofed livestock owned). Values in parentheses are ranges.</p

Model-averaged parameter estimates with lower (LCL) and upper (UCL) 95% confidence limits describing livestock depredations by wildlife in Shuklaphanta National Park, Nepal, 2016–2021.

Number of livestock killed was used as the response variable and total number of livestock owned, season (summer and winter), distance from the park (near: 500 m from the park boundary) were predictor variables. From which best supported model and successive models were generated and parameter estimates were averaged from all models. Significant effects are in bold.</p

Model-averaged parameter estimates with lower (LCL) and upper (UCL) 95% confidence limits describing crop depredations by wildlife in Shuklaphanta National Park, Nepal, 2016–2021.

Model-averaged parameter estimates with lower (LCL) and upper (UCL) 95% confidence limits describing crop depredations by wildlife in Shuklaphanta National Park, Nepal, 2016–2021.</p

Estimated value of reported crop damage (in USD) by wildlife, Shuklaphanta National Park, Nepal, 2016–2021.

Estimated value of reported crop damage (in USD) by wildlife, Shuklaphanta National Park, Nepal, 2016–2021.</p

Number of respondent’s perception towards the scenario of human-wildlife conflict after applying mitigation measures near and far from the Shuklaphanta National Park between 2016 and 2022.

Number of respondent’s perception towards the scenario of human-wildlife conflict after applying mitigation measures near and far from the Shuklaphanta National Park between 2016 and 2022.</p

Total amount of crop damage near and far from the park Shuklaphanta National Park between 2016 and 2022.

Total amount of crop damage near and far from the park Shuklaphanta National Park between 2016 and 2022.</p