Zoology

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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14540/135

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Browsing Zoology by Academic Level "Other"

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    "Microhabitat Assessment and Community Conservation Awareness for Cheer Pheasant in Myagdi District, Nepal"
    (2024-06) Chokhal, keshab; Dr. Bishnu Prasad Bhattrai
    The Cheer Pheasant is endemic species to the foothills of the Western Himalayas. In January 2024, a survey was carried out across forty-three sites in the Myagdi district to study its microhabitat preferences and start a conservation awareness campaign. Data collection utilized direct observation methods, while the awareness program featured slide presentations. The survey findings revealed affirmative regression between the presence of Cheer Pheasants and the plentiful availability of herbs (0.019*, P<0.05), ground cover (0.051., P<0.05), and gravel (0.064., P<0.05). Conversely, it was negatively impacted by the number of trees (-0.164, P>0.05). Camera traps have employed to detect Cheer presence; although species was not captured, other wildlife species were successfully recorded. Habitat disturbance was primarily caused by fire (68%) and road construction (20%), with poaching/snaring (6%) playing a minor role but increasing steadily across study sites. A community conservation awareness program was conducted at Jyoti Primary School, Sida Santi Secondary School, and Dipshika Secondary School, involving a total of 70 participants. Drawing competitions were held among intra-class and inter- class students to promote Cheer Pheasant conservation in the study areas. The collaboration between the head teacher and the school management committee facilitated the distribution of prizes for the winners of the drawing competition. Continuous conservation monitoring and raising awareness among local communities are crucial for the conservation of Cheer Pheasants in the Myagdi district.
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    Prevalence of Gastrointestinal parasites in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta, Zimmermann 1780) and Human community in Bijaypur, Dharan, Nepal
    (Institute of Science & Technology, 2024) K.C, Manisha; Dr. Laxman Khanal
    Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) are distributed across Nepal in close association with humans and with a high probability of sharing of gastrointestinal parasites. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence, diversity, and determinants associated with gastrointestinal parasites in rhesus macaques and the people residing in the Bijaypur area of Dharan, Sunsari, Nepal. Microscopic methods, including direct wet mount, floatation, and sedimentation, were used to analyze fecal samples from 50 macaques and 50 humans. The results revealed that among the rhesus macaques, the general prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 62%. The most prevalent parasites were Trichuris sp. (52%), followed by Entamoeba sp. (22%), Ascaris sp. and Hookworm (12% each), Eimeria sp. (6%), and Strongyloides sp. (2%). In contrast, humans exhibited a lower parasitic infection rate of 6%, with Entamoeba sp. being the most common (6%), followed by Hookworm (4%) and Trichuris sp. (2%). The Sorenson’s Coefficient of Similarity for the assessment of similarity in GI parasites between rhesus and humans, was found to be 0.67, indicating a moderate level of similarity. The mean parasite richness in infected macaque samples was calculated to be 1.70± 0.64 (SD), highlighting the diversity of parasites present in these primates. The study suggests that the substantial occurrence of GI parasites in rhesus macaques can be linked to their close association with humans, sharing habitats and food sources. This situation increases the potential for the bi- directional flow of parasites between the two species and raises concerns about zoonotic transmission, emphasizing the importance of routine monitoring and effective management strategies to mitigate the risks associated with such interactions.