Habitat, Diversity and Status of Mammals of kankali Community Forest, Chitwan, Nepal

Abstract

This study was aimed to assess habited condition, explore diversity and assess thestatus of mammalian fauna of Kankali Community Forest (KCF) in Chitwan. Fixed sized quadrat sampling method was employed to collect data on vegetation andthe line transect survey, random survey and questionnaires survey methods wereemployed to explore diversity and to assess status of mammalian fauna. Habitatcondition was determined through its vegetation features such as density, frequency,basal area, IVI, dominance and diversity. Mammalian diversity was explored throughdirect observation, collection of indirect evidences (fecal matter, foot print, shelteretc.) and questionnaires survey. General conservation status was determined throughthe help of different literature by examining the status list. (IUCN, CITES, NRDB). Through vegetation study 76 plant species were recorded and among them 35 weretrees, 21 were shrubs and 20 were herbs. The total tree density was 1771.80 Pl/ha with42.21 m²/ha basal area, shrub density was 24550 Pl/ha and herb density was 47.96Pl/m². Altogether 26 mammalian species belonging 7 order and 14families were recorded.Among 26 recorded species, 6 species were listed in IUCN red list, 15 species werelisted in CITES list and 9 species were listed in NRDB list. Locally,5species werecommon,4species were intermediate, 6 species were least abundant and 2 specieswere rare. The findings of this study show that the KCF acquired greater potential todevelop itself a better habitat for mammalian species. Public awareness about wildmammal conservation and research work on mammal’s diversity and threatenedmammals are needed to manage mammal and their habitat in the KCF.