Abundance and Occupancy of Blue Bull in Rupandehi, Nepal
Date
2023
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Department of Zoology
Abstract
Blue bull is the largest Asian antelope and is commonly called as ‘Nilgai’ or ‘Ghodagadha’.
This is the first research on occupancy carried out in Rupandehi districts. This research helps
to identify the blue bull condition in Nepal by determining the factors affecting detection
probability in different habitat. In order to estimate blue bull detection probability, 44 grid cells
out of 363 grid cells were covered in the March, 2023. Single species, single season models
was used to make assumptions factor affecting detection probability. A total number of 344
individuals of blue bull were recorded. Bishnupura has a record of the highest population
whereas Saupharsatikar has the least population. During the survey, blue bull was often
recorded in herds or groups. A total of 32 groups of blue bull were recorded whereas the highest
number of group size were recorded in Bishnupura. The reason behind this might be the least
human disturbance in the forest. The naïve occupancy estimate in Rupandehi was 0.6136.
Forest was the most influenced habitat covariates supported by the agriculture land whereas
waterbodies was least supported habitat. The model average with estimates detection
probability rate of 0.8947 with S.E of 0.0498, 95% C.I 0.7510-0.9599 in forest while in water
bodies estimates least detection probability rate of 0.7 with S.E of 0.0947, 95% C.I 0.54360.9097.
Data
on
their
abundance
and
detection
probability
may
serves
as
a
baseline
for
future
studies
and
expected
to aid
in
blue bull conservation
planning
in a systematic
way.
Description
Keywords
Blue bull, Conservation planning