Abundance and Occupancy of Blue Bull in Rupandehi, Nepal

Abstract

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.