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