Distribution and Habitat Utilization of Hispid Hare (Caprolagus hispidus Pearson, 1839) in Shuklaphanta National Park, Kanchanpur, Nepal

Abstract

The Hispid hare (Caprolagushispidus), a member ofLeporidae family is cited as critically Endangered species by IUCN (1978) in IUCN Red list (2002) and is listed on Appendix I of CITES and protected by NPWC Act- 1973 of Nepal. Historically the species was distributed throughout the southern Himalayan foothill from Uttar Pradesh of India through Nepal and West Bengal to Assam of India, extending southwards as far as Dhaka in Bangladesh; however, the present distribution range is unknown in Nepal because of insufficient evidences of its distribution. This study was carried out to explore the distribution, habitat use and existing threats to the Hispid hare (Caprolagushispidus) inShuklaphanta National Park (SNP), Nepal in winter (November –December ,2015) and summer season(April-Maya,2016). Line transect survey method was used for observation of the animal and its signs where the pellets density were calculated. The detail vegetation analysis of the plot was done for their habitat use and preference. The Population density of Hispid hare was found to be 0.18/ha in winter and 0.22/ha in summer. The species mainly preferred the Tall grassland habitat. Twelve Grass species were identified in the habitat of Hispid hare with dominancy of Saccharumspontaneum,Imperatacylindrica, Narengaporphyrocoma,andSaccharummunj.Illegal grazing of domestic animals inside the protected areas should be strictly banned. Mahakali flooding seems most dangerous for the Shuklaphanta National park in terms of Hispid hare survival. Check dam should be constructed at the point where the Mahakali River entered into SNP. Existing threats were fire, flood, illegal grazing of domestic animals, invasion of grass and tree species. Action plan should be developed for the better management, field based conservation, and captive breeding program should be implemented immediately to maintain a viable population of Hispid hare in SNP.