Distribution, habitat utilization and threates of Himalayan Goral (Naemorhedus goral) in Nawalpur district, Nepal
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Department of Zoology
Abstract
Himalayan gorals (Naemorhedus goral) are small sized shy natured cliff dwelling
herbivorous mammals. They are widely distributed but less studied ungulates from Nepal.
This study was conducted for determining the distribution, habitat utilization and
conservation threats of Himalayan gorals from a part of the Mahabharata Goral Conservation
Area in Nawalpur District, Nepal during December 2022 and March 2023. Observation of
animals, fecal pellets, hoof marks in different habitat types along with topographic variables
were recorded to find out the distribution and habitat utilization of Himalayan gorals. The
study area was divided into three blocks each of 3km
xiii
2
(6km×0.5km) and a total of 34 line
transects each of 0.5 km were surveyed. Additionally, questionnaire survey (n=21) and
interviews with local people (n= 42) were done to assess the level of conservation threats. A
total of 89 pellet deposits, two individuals of Himalayan gorals, and three hoof marks were
recorded in the study area. The pellets of Himalayan gorals were distributed from the
elevation of 925m to 1580m asl. Analysis of variance to mean ratio for transects revealed a
clumped distribution pattern of pellets of Himalayan gorals. Four habitat types were used by
the goral, where the highest number of fecal pellets deposits was recorded in rocky cliff area
followed by Shorea robusta forest. Himalayan gorals preferred south facing steep slopes of
51°–75°. The major conservation threat of goral was found poaching. Regular monitoring of
the Himalayan goral population and awareness programs should be conducted at local level
for the conservation of Himalayan gorals in the Mahabharata Goral Conservation Area.