Distribution and population Structure of Chital (Axix axix Erxleben,1777) Babai Valley, Bardia National Park, Nepal

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the distribution and population structure of Chital in Chepang Babai Valley BNP, Nepal. Riverine forest, sal forest, grassland and mixed-hardwood forest were selected as a major habitat for intensive study sites and survey was carried out in October and November, 2019. Line transect method, age and sex composition, environmental variables and questionnaire survey were applied to record the data on distribution, population structure and factors affecting the distribution of Chital. A total of 23 line transects were laid in four major habitats of eight blocks which covers a total of four kilometers in length and each transects were walked three times that covered a total of 12 km. All the data were analyzed by using Microsoft excel 2016 and Past 3.26. The population status of Chital was recorded from different study blocks whereas (Chi-square χ 2 = 19.29, df = 7, P = 0.007) revealed that significant difference in population status of Chital within different study blocks. The density of Chital was 43.39 individuals per km 2 in the study area. The overall male to female sex ratio was 1:2.5 showing the ratio of 47.88 bucks to 100 does with more females than the males within all blocks and time period. The distribution pattern of Chital was found to be clumped type within about 20 km 2 of the total study area. Generalized Linear Model revealed that tree canopy cover (P ˂ 0.01), ground cover (P ˂ 0.01) and distance to road (P > 0.01) were positively associated with Chital distribution. Based on questionnaire survey, poaching, habitat loss, forest fire and feral dogs were the major probable threats. Further research should be conducted to find out more interesting relation between Chital and its distribution and habitats throughout Babai Valley of Bardia National Park. This study can be effective in conservation and management to enhance long-term survival of this species in the study area.