Habitat Use and People’s Perception towards Smooth-Coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) in Shuklaphanta National Park, Nepal

Abstract

mooth-coated otters (SCO) are generally found in lowland areas near the flowing water, where they depend upon fish species for feeding. This study was conducted to assess the major factors that act upon the habitat use by SCO in Shuklaphanta National Park (ShNP) along with the perception of local people of that area. Transect survey inside ShNP and semi-structured questionnaire survey in the periphery of the park were conducted for data collection. Landsat-8 images were used for RS to extract the Modified Bare Soil Index (MBI), Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), Modified Normalized Difference, Water Index (MNDWI) through R studio. Landcover proportion, Surface Temperature, Slope were calculated using GIS. Generalized Linear model (GLM) was used to analyze the relationship between presence or absence of SCO in relation to surface temperature, MBI, MNDWI, EVI, Slope, water proportion, forest proportion and rangeland. In addition, Fischer’s Exact test was done for testing the association between occupation and categories of people’s perception about SCO. The EVI and proportion of water are positively associated whereas, MNDWI is negatively associated with the presence or absence of SCO signs in the buffered areas. The perception of local people is not highly influenced by their occupation however; the activity of fishing is associated with the occupation. Priority should be given to the conservation of riverine vegetation that are especially adjacent to sandy banks with significant proportion of water and connectivity should be maintained between the wetlands. Sustainable fishing practices should be promoted as most of the local people around the park are engaged in fishing activities which may potentially impact the prey for SCO.