Multi-species occupancy modeling of mammals and associated variables in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, Nepal

Abstract

The species diversity is declining globally at an alarming rate, and it is more prominent in areas with high human activities and interventions. The knowledge of the spatial distribution of species and the factors acting on them is a prerequisite for developing management and conservation plans. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the community-level occupancy of mammal species in the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve (DHR) using camera traps from March 15 – June 15, 2022. The study used multi-species hierarchical occupancy modeling using Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulations to gain insights into the impact of various environmental and anthropogenic variables on community-level occupancy of the detected mammal species. This study identified a highly heterogeneous mammal species community at DHR with the highest detection probability for Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens) and lowest for Blue Sheep (Pseudois nayaur). The highest value of naïve occupancy was recorded for Himalayan Goral and the lowest for Red Panda. The highest negative impact on community-level occupancy was from elevation, and the highest positive impact was documented for canopy cover. Anthropogenic factors such as distance from human settlement and the presence of livestock had a positive impact on the community level occupancy. The study also evaluated the relatively less impact of all the variables for Barking Deer (Muntiacus muntjac), Himalayan Goral (Naemorhedus goral), and Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes). For a more reliable assessment, this study recommends extending the survey to a broader area and incorporating the multi-season approach of community-level occupancy modeling.