Zoology

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Abundance and distribution of small mammals in Chitwan National Park, Nepal
(Department of Zoology, 2014) Adhikari, Dipendra
It has been realized that the role of small mammals in maintaining ecological phenomenon is relatively higher though not much attention has been paid for the study of small mammals.Abundance and distribution pattern of small mammals (excluding bat) in riverine and sal forestof Chitwan National Park(CNP)during December 2011 and May of 2012was studied.The main objective of this study was to assess the abundance and distribution of small mammals in CNP. Three different trapping methods (Elliot, Pitfall and Camera) as well as direct observation methods were used in 3 plots of riverine and sal forest habitat type.From a total survey effort of 1080 trap nights, 14 species of small mammals belonging to 3 orders and 6 families were recorded.The abundance of small mammals was found higher in riverineforest than in sal forest.Similarly, the distribution pattern was clumped in studied areas of CNP. The Shannon Weiner diversity index suggested high small mammal diversity i.e. 0.70. Kruskal Wallis test and Paired Sample Wilcox test was used to find the significant difference in trapping efficiency of different traps and occurrence of small mammals between two habitats respectively. There was no significant difference in the trapping efficiency of different three types of traps (χ2=3.258, df =2, P>0.05,α=0.05). All the traps trapped more orless same number of species in total.There was no significant difference in occurrence of small mammals between two habitats(χ2=0.18, df=1, P>0.05,α=0.05).
Abundance and occupancy of blue bull in Rupandehi, Nepal
(Department of Zoology, 2023) Dhakal, Prabina
Blue bull is the largest Asian antelope and is commonly called as ‘Nilgai’ or ‘Ghodagadha’. This is the first research on occupancy carried out in Rupandehi districts. This research helps to identify the blue bull condition in Nepal by determining the factors affecting detection probability in different habitat. In order to estimate blue bull detection probability, 44 grid cells out of 363 grid cells were covered in the March, 2023. Single species, single season models was used to make assumptions factor affecting detection probability. A total number of 344 individuals of blue bull were recorded. Bishnupura has a record of the highest population whereas Saupharsatikar has the least population. During the survey, blue bull was often recorded in herds or groups. A total of 32 groups of blue bull were recorded whereas the highest number of group size were recorded in Bishnupura. The reason behind this might be the least human disturbance in the forest. The naïve occupancy estimate in Rupandehi was 0.6136. Forest was the most influenced habitat covariates supported by the agriculture land whereas waterbodies was least supported habitat. The model average with estimates detection probability rate of 0.8947 with S.E of 0.0498, 95% C.I 0.7510-0.9599 in forest while in water bodies estimates least detection probability rate of 0.7 with S.E of 0.0947, 95% C.I 0.54360.9097. Data on their abundance and detection probability may serves as a baseline for future studies and expected to aid in blue bull conservation planning in a systematic way.
Abundance of culex Tritaeniorhynchus giles and culex gelidus theobald in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
(Department of Zoology, 2011) Shrestha, Hum Narayan
The present study carried out during April, 2009 to September, 2009 in Tokha and Gothatar of Kathmandu district, Hattiban of Lalitpur district and Balkot of Bhaktapur district has reported the vector abundance, indoor and outdoor densities, resting preferences and age grading of both Culex tritaeniorhynchus and Culex gelidus and hypothesis testing results on significance of monthly variation and areawise variation of both species. During the study period, a total of 30,602 Culex mosquitoes were collected. Among them 404 were Cx tritaeniorhynchus and 55 were Cx gelidus. The study recorded maximum man hour density (9.5) for Cx tritaeniorhynchus from Tokha area in August, 2009 in indoor collection. Similarly, the maximum man hour density was 22.0 in September, 2009 in the same site in outdoor collection. The maximum man hour density for Cx gelidus in indoor was 0.75 recorded from Gothatar and Tokhaareas in August, 2009. The maximum man hour density (4.0) was recorded in outdoor in August, 2009 from Tokha area for Cx gelidus. The highest vector abundance recorded in September, 2009 for Cx tritaeniorhynchus was 1.3 and 0.15 for Cx gelidus in August, 2009 from Tokha area of Kathmandu district. In case of resting preference, a total of 175 Cx tritaeniorhynchus were recorded from indoor and 162 were recorded from outdoor. Altogether 15 Cx gelidus were recorded from indoor and 33 were recorded from outdoor in total collected samples. Out of all collected samples, the gravid females of both species were most commonly found while unfed, fullfed and half gravid abdominal conditions were also observed. The highest density of Japanese Encephalitis vectors were recorded from Tokha and Gothatar area of Kathmandu district, although the hypothesis testing results showed no significance difference between all four sites. The resting habit of vectors was higher at indoor habitats in all prevalent months. The abundance of vectors was higher in August and September as revealed by the results of hypothesis testing. The abundance of Cx tritaeniorhynchus was higher than that of Cx gelidus. This observation of fluctuation in densities, resting preferences and age grading of Cx tritaeniorhynchus and Cx gelidus would be useful for possible inclusion of the Kathmandu valley in the National Japanese Encephalitis Prevention and Control Programme.
Activities Pattern of Wild Water Buffalo (Bubalus arnee Kerr, 1792) in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal (A case study of Kusaha area)
(Department of Zoology, 2013) Rai, Nirsing Kumar
This study was done on the diurnal activity patterns of two different herds of Wild Water Buffalo (Bubalus arnee) in Kusaha area of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve; a flood plain of Koshi river. Four main activities as grazing, resting, standing and wallowing of diurnal patterns for four seasons were studied by scan sampling method in the year of 2011 and 2012. It was found that a herd of Wild Water Buffalo grazed by walking instead of single place for 50%, rested 27%, stood 13% and wallow 10% of observation of average diurnal period. So they are good browser. Seasonally, it was found that they graze similar in average but comparatively more in winter season i.e. 57% of a day time. Their highest activities revealed for resting was in monsoon season 32%, standing was in winter season 20% and wallowing was in spring season 21% of day time but the least are for grazing in monsoon season 42%, resting in winter season 23%, standing in spring season 8% and wallowing in winter season 0% of a day time. For the comparative study set hypothesis were, “four major activities patterns will be same in between male band and mixed herd” and tested as null hypothesis by using popular student test i.e. t-test. It had accepted only one activity is wallowing (p-value > 0.05). So there is no significant difference in wallowing pattern in between male band and mixed herd. But other activities like grazing (p-value < 0.05), resting (p-value < 0.05) and standing (p-value < 0.05) are significantly different between these male band and mixed herd of Wild Water Buffalo. Generally male band was observed more resting (42% vs 12%) and more wallowing (12% vs 9%) than mixed herd. Similarly mixed herd was observed more grazing (62% vs 37%) and more standing (17% vs 9%) than male band in average diurnal time (11 hours and 30 minutes) of a day. Key Words: Flood plains, Diurnal patterns, Browser, Scan sampling, t-test.
Activity Budget and Feeding Behaviour of Lesser Adjutant (Leptoptilos Javanicus) in Central Lowland Nepal
(Department of Zoology, 2023) K.C., Sabin
An activity budget provides a quantitative description of how animals spend their time engaging in various activities such as foraging, maintenance and reproduction that directly relates to an animal's metabolism, making it a crucial aspect of studying behavioural ecology. Lesser adjutant Stork ((Leptoptilos javanicus) is a globally vulnerable species with declining population and increasing threats. Hence, its activity budget and foraging behaviour was studied for two seasons [monsoon (August 2022) and winter season (January 2023)] in Chitwan and Rupandehi-Kapilvastu area to find the seasonal behavioural activities and factors affecting its feeding success. Extensive road survey method was used to collect the LAS behavioural video footage and activity budget was prepared. Lesser Adjutant Stork spent maximum time foraging (mean 9.97 ± 8.25 min) followed by resting, vigilance, maintenance, other and locomotion activity. There was a variation in the time spent by LAS on foraging and resting in between two seasons [foraging behaviour (t-value = 8.203, df = 237, p <0.05) and resting behaviour (t = 8.341, df = 140, p<0.05)]. Time spent for foraging was higher in monsoon (1565.56 min, 78% of total time duration) while time spent on resting (751.03 min, 27% of total duration) was higher in winter season. LAS used visual mode (96%) of foraging rather than tactile (4%). The snails (n = 477) was major prey species followed by insects (n = 73), crabs (n = 19), fish (n = 15), frog (n = 8), snake (n = 9), lizard (n = 3), carcasses (n = 2) and mouse (n = 1). Distance to road (Estimate = -0.0022 ± 0.0009, p = 0.0171) and the distance to wetland (Estimate = 0.0013 ± 0.0006, p = 0.0426) are influencing factors for feeding success on LAS.
Activity Patterns and Habitat of Hanuman Langur (Semnopithecus entellus Dufresne, 1779) in Sahid Lakhan Rural Municipality, Gorkha, Nepal
(Department of Zoology, 2020) Paudel, Manish
Study on the population and behaviour of animals help us to conserve the population of species. This study aims to study the population, behaviour and habitat of langur monkey with relation to human beings on the bank of Marsyandi River of Sahid Lakhan Rural municipality, Gorkha. Field survey was carried out only in one season (May 17 to 1 July, 2019). Instantaneous focal animal sampling method was used to observe the animal and individual observed for 10 minutes. Time was classified into four phases i.e. morning [7:00 to 9:40], late morning [9:45 to 12:25], day [12:30 to 15:10] and evening [15:15 to 18:10]. Langur monkey spent more time on foraging (45.99%), inactive (17.67%), locomotion (14.12%), grooming (9.15%) and sleeping (9.11%). The Chi-square test revealed that there was significance difference between all behaviour in different phase of day Similarly, total 32 quadrates having 10m radius were laid down to find the plant diversity of habitat and found that the species diversity was 2.66 with the dominant of Sal (Shorea robusta) followed by Botdhayero (Largerstromia parviflora) and Chilaune (Schima wallichii). Semi structured question were asked with 37 local people having age more than 20 years. Maize (14.6%) is mostly raided crop by langur which is followed by daal (9.71%), millet (9.32%) and vegetables (7.11%) and local people apply different strategies to chase out the langur from agricultural field. Shouting and following was the most common strategy applied by local while throwing stones ranked the second. Few invasive species as well as anthropogenic effects to the natural forest were experienced in the study area. To conserve the species, further study will be required, and relation between assamese monkey as well to reduce the conflicts between human and primate’s should be found on local level.
Anaemia Association with Intestinal Parasitic Nfection in Pregnant Women Attending Ntenatal Clinic at Janakpur Zonal Hospital, Nepal
(Central Department of Zoology, 2018) Kayastha, Kanchan
Anaemia during pregnancy cause direct impact on the health of both mother and faetus. Among the various reasons, intestinal parasitic infection has been considered as one of them. In order to find out the status of parasitic infection and anaemia during pregnancy, a total of 202 stool samples from pregnant women on their first consultation to antenatal services in Janakpur Zonal hospital were collected from October 2017 to April 2018.The stool sample were examined for intestinal parasite by direct smear technique , while hemoglobin level of pregnant women were collected from laboratory record of the hospital, Out of the 34 anaemic pregnant women 35.29% had parasitic infection , while from non-anaemic pregnant women, 70% of them were infected with intestinal parasite. The association of anaemia with intestinal parasite was statistically significant (p=0.005). The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides (13.86%) was most prevalent followed by Hookworm (3.46%) in anaemic pregnant women. The hemoglobin levels of 36 pregnant women who were infected with parasitic infection was reported to be 10.3 mg/dl (mild anemia). However, the overall prevalence of the parasitic infection among pregnant women was 17.82%. Ascaris lumbricoides 13.86% was the most predominant followed by Hookworm (3.46%) and Giardia lamblia (0.49%). The prevalence of the intestinal parasite showed no significance association with their residency area (p=0.18) and source of water (p=0.4) but showed stastically significant with habit of use of toilet (p=0.000). The prevalence rate of IPI was higher among larger family size of pregnant women and also illiterate/limited literacy group of population. The designing and implementation of parasite control programme should be a public health priority at local and regional level to reduce the degree of anaemia during pregnancy.
An Analysis of Food Habits and Conservation of Red Panda (Ailurus Fulgens Cuvier, 1825) in Langtang National Park, Nepal
(Department of Zoology, 2010) Thapa, Arjun
This study onfood habits andconservation threatsof red panda Ailurus fulgensinthe Langtang National Park, was carried outbetween March 2009 toMarch 2010and was mainly centered onexamining diet composition, food niche breadth and conservation threats. Three sites were chosen for the study, which wereGopache,Dhokachet and Trisuli-Originof Cholangpati-Dhokachet areas.Thisstudy includedreconnaissance survey for specific siteselection, altitudinal line intercept methodfor faecal samplecollectionanddung encounter,whereasmicro-histological techniquewas used to examine the seasonal diet compositionand niche breadth of the red panda. Conservation threats of animal were analyzedthrough semi-structured questionnairesand interviews with local people and also throughcattle dung encounter rate and grazing intensity. A total of 12 altitudinalline interceptswerelaid in three sites at theelevations of 3000m-3600m with verticallinesat theinterval of 150 m.A total of 161fecal sampleswere examinedusingmicro-histologicalanalysis.Results showed thatthe red panda’s diet composed ofeightdifferent plantsincluding bamboo, tree, herbs, shrubs and moss. They wereThamnocalamus aristatus, Sorbus cuspidata, moss, Juniper recurva, Acer caudatum, Rhododendron campanulatum,Abies spectabilis,andRubus sp.Itsdiet consistedof Thamnocalamus aristatus(mean=245.08±15.74%) inhighest proportion,followed by Moss (mean=5.91±1.95%), S. cuspidata (mean=5.83±1.22%), J. recurva(mean=1.08±071.95%), A. caudatum(mean=1.00±0.38%), andsomeothersinalow proportion (all<1). Statistically,T. aristatuswas consumed in all seasonsthat was insignificant (2> 0.001, df =11, P>0.05),where as other foodsvaried seasonally.Niche breadthdeterminationofred panda was 0.000104, which was quite low that resembledits high selectiveness in forage.Unidentified hairs, bonesand claws were observed in the few faecal samples. Livestock pressure, speciallytheChauri caused major threatstothered pandasalong with the fire woodandfodder collection. Dhokachet siteof Cholang-Dhokachet wasfoundwithhighest grazing intensity withahigher dung encounter rate(mean=34.19/km),followed by Gopche (mean=24.49/km) and Trisuli (mean=9.6/km).Also the line of regression(r2=0.491) showedthere wasa decreaseinfecal pellet encounter rate correspondingcattle dung encounter rate.
Analysis of Physico-Chemical Water Parameter and Zooplankton of Village Pond “Kamalpokhari” of Kamalvinayak, Bhaktapur
(Department of Zoology, 2016) Sakha, Saru
The present study entitled, “Study of physicochemical water parameter andzooplankton of village pond“Kamalpokhari” of Kamalvinayak, Bhaktapur wasconducted from 14 th August 2012 to 6 x th February 2013, for a period of six months.The main objective of this work was to analyze the physico-chemical parameters andto investigate its relation with zooplankton production. The study site was dividedinto three station , namely station A,B and C. The water samples from each stationwere collected throughout the study period between 7.00 to 9.00 am. The physicalparameters such as temperature, depth, transparency, water colour, nature of the daywere observedon the field itself. The analysis of chemical parameters such as pH,hardness, DO, CO , alkalinity were examined on the very day. The qualitative andquantitative analysis of zooplanktons was also carried out in the lab of CentralDepartment of Zoology. The variation in colour of water was observed distinctly inwinter and summer season. The fluctuation in transparency of the pond water was lowin rainy season and high in winter. The variation in temperature may be due to theseasonal changes as well as weather conditions. The high temperature was recordedduring summer season and low in winter. The average pH value of the pond waterwas found alkaline (8.1), which was suitable for aquatic life. The dissolved oxygenranged between 3.3ppm to 7.5 ppm with the average of 5.7 ppm. And positivecorrelation coefficient was found between dissolved oxygen and zooplankton fromthe statistical analysis.The free carbon dioxide fluctuated from0 to 8 and was absentin13 th and 30 th 2 October. Total alkalinity ranged from 116.6 to 185.3. The totalhardness ranged from5 to 21.67. From the statistical analysis positive correlationbetween alkalinity and zooplankton and negative between hardness and zooplankton.The zooplanktons were more densely found during summer season and their densitywas low in winter. In the present investigation, two genus of rotifer i.e. Keratella,Brachionus, one genus of Cladocera i.e. Daphnia and two genus of Copepoda i.e.Cyclops and Diaptomus were recorded. The total zooplanktonic abundance in thepond was 1944 no./liter during the study period, which showed the fortnightly densityof 161.1 no./liter.
Analytical Sentinel Survey of Lymphatic Filariasis and Prevalence of Vectors in Daraune Pokhari Dapcha VDC of Kabre District, Nepal.
(Department of Zoology, 2007) Dahal, Bhim Bahadur
Wuchereria bancrofti is a filarial nematode parasite that causes lymphatic filariasis in endemic zones of tropical and subtropical regions causing permanent and long term disability. It is the second major health problem in the world and is endemic in 60 of 75 districts of Nepal. The recent study was conducted from 28th December 2006 to 15th September 2007 in Daraune Pokhari, Dapcha VDC of Kabre District. A total of 500 night blood samples were collected from the earlobes of the respondents. Mass orientation program was conducted to make the respondents aware about the study. After filling the questionnaires to take information regarding physical, social and environmental status of the respondents night blood sample collection was done. Microscopical examination revealed 52/500 (10.40%) microfilarial positive cases. Regarding age and sex-wise distribution, the highest percentage of infection was noted in age group 41-50 years (22.22%) in males and 61-70 years (16.66%) females and female were highly infected than males with the ratio of 6:7 where 80 males out of 100 females were infected. The crude disease rate was reported to be 3.20% and total endemicity rate was 68/500 (13.60%). On the other hand out of 500 specimens of mosquito collected from 6 household by indoor and outdoor hand collection and dry preservation indicated that 7/500 (1.40%) were the main vector of Lymphatic filariasis i.e. Culex quinquefasciatus indicating the prevalence of vector in the study site. The main reason behind this rate of prevalence of vector and Lf were lack of awareness regarding the vector and mode of transmission, illiteracy, occupation, insanitary environment condition, favourable breeding habit, carelessness and sleeping habits. Thus, people should be made familiar to Lf by organizing awareness programs through mass media, radio, television etc. to prevent the spread of disease and make them alert.
Ant Diversity along an Elevational Gradient in Champadevi Hill,Central Nepal
(Department of Zoology, 2020) Pokhrel, Prakash Raj
Nepal is characterised by high floral and faunal diversity but there are limited studies about ants. The present study is aimed at exploring the ant diversity along an elevational gradient (from 1450 m to 2452 m) in the north and south slopes of Champadevi hill, central Nepal. Ant samples were collected by using pitfall traps and all-out-search methods from spring to autumn in 2017. To find the determinant relationship between ant species richness and environmental variables (elevation, seasons, aspect, disturbance and vegetation canopy), a generalized linear model (GLM) with Poisson distribution and log link function was used. Multivariate tests for the composition of ant communities were carried using a unimodal technique known as Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA). Six subfamilies and 33 genera were recorded from the study. Species richness decreased with increasing elevation. The species richness was maximum during spring season (n=12) than in autumn season (n=5) and it was higher in the northern aspect (n=29) than the southern aspect (n=25). Ant composition was affected by elevation (p=0.004), seasons (p=0.002) and aspect (p=0.002). Disturbance (p=0.054) and canopy cover (p=0.180) do not show a significant effect on composition. Amblyopone and Ponera were found as new genera to Nepal. The high diversity of ants in our study area showed that the systematic study could lead to the recording of more species in Nepal.
Aquatic Insects of Adhikhola River System in Waling Syangja
(Department of Zoology, 2021) Pokhrail, Rounika
Insects which spend fully or partially part of their life in water is known as aquatic insect. Aquatic insects are important part of aquatic ecosystem which play vital role in ecosystem functioning. Major Orders representing aquatic insects are Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Tricoptera, Odonata, Megaloptera, Diptera, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Neuroptera and Collembola. This study was conducted in Adhikhola River System, Waling, Syangja. Adhikhola River System in Waling consists of 4 River Mirdi Khola, Armadi Khola, Madi Khola and Adhikhola River of which Mirdi Khola, Armadi Khola, Madi Khola are tributaries of Adhikhola River. Twelve sampling site has been ascertained, three sites on each stream on the basis of different habitat (Forest, Agriculture and Urban). Each site was further divided into 3 point on the basis of heterogeneity. Insect collection was done by “Sweeping” method for littorial zone, “1minute kick method by D-Frame kick net for benthic zone, “Sieving” for sandy bottom of rivers and “All out search” was done for microhabitat. Sampling was done for two seasons Autumn and Winter. Identification was done by the use of standardized taxonomic key. A total 45 genera, 31 families and 8 orders were report from different sites of study area. Among 4 river stream Adhikhola River and Mirdi Khola were highly abundant followed by Armadi khola and Madi khola was least abundant. Abundance and Diversity of Insect was seen high in autumn than winter. Habitat wise diversity of Forest was highest followed by agriculture and Urban was lowest. But no significance difference was seen in between Seasonal Variation and Habitat Variation of Insect fauna. Insect Fauna showed significant negative correlation was seen with CO 2 and positive correlation with alkalinity in autumn. Since Diversity and abundance of insect were seen degrading in urban areas hence further research should be carried to know the precise condition of aquatic insect and river.
Aquatic Insects of Modi Khola River in PARBAT, Nepal
(Department of Zoology, 2021) Sharma, Meena
Aquatic insects are those insects that spend some part of their lifecycle closely associated with water, either living beneath the surface or skimming along on top of the water and they are abundant in most freshwater habitat. In aquatic ecosystem they play vital role or used as indicator of water. In this study, aquatic insects were collected from nine sampling sites of river across different habitats (near to forest area, near to agricultural field and near to human settle area). Each sampling site further divided into three sampling points on the basis of river heterogeneity. Insect collection was done by Sweeping method for littorial zone and D-Frame kick net for benthic zone by One minute kick method, Sieving was used for sandy places of rivers and All out search method was used in all possible substrata. The relation of aquatic insects with physical parameters was showed by using Karl Pearson’s Correlation method. A total of 2,230 insects belonging to 48 genera under 33 families and eight orders including of two unidentified species were recorded. During the study period the highest abundance of insect species was from order Ephemeroptera of the total insects sampled. It was followed by Trichoprera, Diptera, Plecoptera, Odonata, Megaloptera, Coleoptera and Hemiptera. Seasonally, abundance of orders of insect was highly varied. The diversity index and species richness of the insects were recorded higher in the pre monsoon in comparison to post monsoon. Analysis of variance shows no significant relation between aquatic insects and seasons. Near to forest area, diversity of insects was high followed by near to agricultural field and human settle area. The number of aquatic insects shows positive relation with DO but negative relation with temperature, velocity and CO 2 in both seasons. In pre monsoon, diversity shows positive correlation with alkalinity and negative with pH.
Aquatic Insects of the 'Na Pukhu' Pond,Bhaktapur,Nepal
(Department of Zoology, 2016) Ojha, Savita
The study of the aquatic insects was carried out in the ‘Na pukhu’ pond of Bhaktapur Municipality during March 2014 to August 2014 in pre monsoon and monsoon. A total of 4181 insects belonging to five genera under five families and three orders were identified including individuals of one unidentified species. During the study period the most abundant order was Diptera in pre monsoon and Hemiptera in monsoon. The diversity index, species richness and evenness of the insects were recorded higher in the monsoon in comparison to pre monsoon. The relation of diversity with physical parameters was correlated by using Karl Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient which shows positive relation with temperature, pH and alkalinity but negative with DO in pre monsoon. In monsoon, diversity shows positive correlation with alkalinity but negative with temperature, pH and DO. The analysis showed Chironomus sp. as most abundant during the study period.
Aseasonal Variation in Abundance and Distribution of bats in Sunsari-Morang Industrial Corridor
(Department of Zoology, 2013) Dahal, Dibya Raj
Scientific information about bats in industrial corridors is poor in Nepal. I studied occurrence,abundance, and distribution of bats and their seasonal variation with associated threats alongSunsari-Morang industrial corridor from September 2010 to August 2011. I designed fivefour kilometers sampling blocks from Itahari to Tankisiniwari ccovering 26 km of thecorridor where I captured bats directly from the roost using mist. Morphometricmeasurements and photographs of each captured bat were taken for species identification andvoucher specimens for unidentified bats were prepared. I prepared baculum and skull of theunidentified species in ecology laboratory of Central Department of Zoology, TribhuvanUniversity. I calculatedShannon-Wiener diversity index and employed bothparametric andnon-parametric statistical analysis to test the abundance and distribution and seasonalvariation in bats usingSPSS version 16. I recorded 9469 bats belonging to seven species from the corridor with a high diversity index(H=1.11119).Population densities fluctuated seasonally responding to temperature variationbut the species diversity remained the same in all seasons. I recorded more species of batsfrom Itahari block and less from Hattimuda and Tankisiniwari blocks. Albino ofCynopterussphinxwas also observed and collected as the first record of albino bat from Nepal. Similarly,I recorded Scotophillus kuhli from the area confirming its occurrence in Nepal.Anthropogenic factors like deforestation, killing for bush meat, urbanization, and use ofpesticides were direct threats to the population and species diversity of bats in the industrialcorridor. This study showed that Sunsari-Morang industrial corridor area is a potential site forbat conservation with high diversity and good population size. Awareness campaign andsupport from the community and government initiatives are necessary to conserve theseecologically and economically beneficial species.
Assesment of Conservation Importance of Jakhor Toal With Special Emphasis on Fishing Communities in Dhangadi Kailali , Nepal
(Central Department of Zoology, 2019) Singh, K. Deepak
Fish diversity is the term given to the different variety of fish on earth which plays a very important role in the ecosystem and all the inhabitant including human. The present study was conducted on Jakhor Taal, an ox-bow perennial Lake, situated in Dhangadhi Municipality in Kailali district. The present study deals with fish diversity, environmental variables, socio-economic status and conservation challenges of Jakhor Taal. Fish sampling was done by Gill net, Cast net and other local fishing gears followed by questionnaires survey. A total of 24 fish species (8 Exotic and 16 Indigenous) were recorded belonging to 7 orders, 14 families and 22 genera. The order Cypriniformes were recorded highest comprising 41.66% among the total fish species recorded and 65.38% of total fish caught during the study periods followed by Siluriformes and Perciformes constituting 20.33% and 16.67% respectively. Similarly, the family Cyprinidae shows the highest number of fish diversity obtaining 64.27% of total fish species. Rasbora daniconius was the most dominant fish obtaining 16.61% of total catch. In diversity index, in case of season, Shannon diversity index was found high (2.93) in the month of February and low (2.76) in the month of July. Similarly, Simpson and Evenness value was also found slightly high in the month of February in comparison to the month of July. In case of site, the Shannon diversity index was found high (2.73) at the site II in compare to the site I, site III and site IV which is 2.31, 2.09 and 2.04 respectively. Similarly, Simpson and Evenness value was also found slightly high at the site II in comparison to the site I, site III and site IV. The Redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed that the environmental variables such as water temperature, depth and dissolved oxygen were found high significant to most species with respect to different sites and month however, pH and free CO has not shown any relation or significance. Altogether 22 clusters were formed by the fishes of Jakhor Taal in which exotic species shows highly significant cluster in comparison to indigenous species. The socio-economic status of the local fishing communities seems to be below poverty line and the lake and its resources play a very important role in their diet and income source. In context to conservation challenges and implications this lake is highly neglected from both governmental and local communities which negatively affect the natural habitats. Some of the major factors effecting the study area are lack of awareness, habitat destruction, illegal fishing, urbanization, and invasive species.
Assessment of avocada (Persea Americana) pests in Dhankuta Municipality, Nepal
(Department of Zoology, 2023) Bogati, Ashma
The cultivation of avocado is increasingly popular among farmers in Dhankuta Municipality as it contributes to their economic growth. In this study, we assessed pest abundance and diversity along with pest infestation in five selected avocado orchards from the pocket area of the 27 avocado farming in this region. Pest abundance and diversity were estimated using specific pheromone and light trapping techniques from Nov- Dec, 2022. Total 1,693 individual were collected from the study area. Among the five orchards that were sampled, the fifth orchard had notably high abundance of species while, the fourth orchard exhibited a higher level of species diversity, as indicated by Shannon H value 1.61. The highly abundant pest species is Fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis from the Dipteran family Tephritidae but the most diverse species were from the Coleopteran family Scarabaeidae. Anomala dimidiata and Xylotrupes gideon were found to be the major pest of avocado in this area. A significant association was observed between damage to leaves and the presence of insects. The relationship was analyzed using a chi-square test, resulting p-value of 0.007233. For the control of pest species in avocado orchards their local farmers were observed implementing cultural techniques over other.
Assessment of Bacteriological and Helminthological Contamination in Drinking Water Sources of Lalitpur Sub-Metropolitan City
(Department of Zoology, 2008) Acharya, Jyotsna
Not available
Assessment of crop raiding by wild boar (Sus scrofa) in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, Nepal
(Department of Zoology, 2023) Gharti Magar, Yamuna
Human-wildlife conflict arises when human and wildlife species come under the same niche leading to competition for available natural resources. The conflict increases particularly near the protected areas. The conflict between human and wildlife is closely linked to the economics, social welfare and resource availability. This study envisaged to access the crop damage by Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) and its effects on the livelihood of local people in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve (DHR). Direct field measurements on the damaged area from Wild Boar, a questionnaire survey to the local people and key informant interviews were used for data collection during August 9 to September 9, 2022. A total 268 households were selected for questionnaire survey. Wild Boar was the major crop raider, and Potato (Solanum tuberosum) was the major crop loss. The yearly loss is 8.59% (98568.38 kg) of Potato and 5.75% (4110.62 kg) of Oat (Avena sativa) of total production. Total average annual economic loss in DHR was NRs. 62113.39 (USD 472.27) per household including Potato and Oat. Majority of local people had negative attitude towards wildlife conservation. Commonly shouting, scaring by biting tin boxes, guarding and releasing dog, stone wall and wooden bar were the main preventive measures applied by local people in DHR, which are not effective. So, this study suggest that to minimize the crop loss form Wild Boar, adapting alternative crop like hot pepper, using repellents (chemical sprays and natural deterrents), regulate hunting and proper relief funds might be helpful.
An Assessment of Crops Damage by Wild Animals in The Southern Parts of Shivapuri National Park
(Department of Zoology, 2009) Bajracharya, Srijana
Crops damage by wildlife in surrounding villages was the main problem in conservation and management of the protected areas. Research conducted in two adjoining village development committees (VDCs) such as Kabresthali and Sangla of the Shivapuri National Park (ShNP) during December 2007- August 2008 to investigate causes and consequences generated by establishment of park particularly focusing on wildlife occurrences, reasons of land abandonment, quantity of crops loss due to wildlife, local people’s attitude towards wildlife conservation and the minimizing techniques of crops depredation. Both direct and indirect methods were used including identification of feces, pugmarks, scratches to explore the wild mammals’ occurrences and field surveys and set questionnaire were asked for collection of socio-economic data. Barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak), rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) and jungle cat (Felis chaus) were occurred at altitudinal ranges between 1612-1924m in the Schima, Myrica and Pinus species of trees dominated habitat in high human interference areas (Shannon’s index value=1.023). Various reasons caused a total 106 ropanis of private agricultural land abandonment laid in marginal area and prominent reason of 11% of land abandonment among the total land were due to extensive crop depredation by single animal, wild boar. In study area, wild boar, monkeys, porcupines and barking deer were main trouble giving wild animals to local people and raided crops during mature growing stage and caused a total 16234 kg of crops loss per annum. Maize was found most affected crops with a total 8928.5 kg loss and followed by paddy (2955 kg), wheat (2859.5 kg) and millet (1491 kg). The loss was concentrated near the boundary wall in all case except wheat loss (r=0.36) in Sangla which were also in farther distance. However, wildlife were principal caused of crops loss, other causes such as natural and man induced reasons were also responsible for certain percentage of loss. Similarly, quantity of crops loss in two study areas were insignificantly difference except wheat loss (Z=1.96). Human impacted on wildlife and their habitats were high which was reflected through the almost 32% respondents dependent on forest for their extra income generation and 84% of local people collected firewood, foliage and fodder for domestic used, although around 35% of them had negative attitude towards wildlife conservation. Nearly 45% of the local people were resorted various conventional means to stop crop depredation by wild boar. Such techniques were less detrimental to wildlife but partially effective and time consuming.

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