Determinants of Distribution of Large Mammals in Seti River Basin, Tanahun District of Western Nepal

Abstract

Forest landscape in Seti River basin of Western Nepal is not conserved within the protected area network. Wildlife habitats in Seti River basin are more vulnerable due to high anthropogenic disturbance and habitat fragmentation. Present study mainly focused to evaluate the major factors that determine the distribution of large mammals in Seti River basin by walking through 34 line transects that covered a total of 59.89 km. The distribution of large mammals was greatly affected by habitat types, human disturbances, topography and altitude. Himalayan gorals were recorded in the steep grass covered areas where as Muntjacs were found in most of the habitats and slopes. There was low occurrence of all species nearer to the settlements and roads. Besides, water sources played a vital role in distribution of wildlife, as there were more occurrences of signs of large mammals nearby water resources. In the study area, community forests played a major role in the conservation of viable population of large mammals. However, habitat fragmentation due to scattered human settlements and degradation of foraging grounds such as grasslands by succession and invasion of alien plant species added more threats to the survival of large mammals. Therefore, such situation can be improved through the protection of connecting forest patches and scientific management of forests and grasslands.