Wild Mammals of the Shuklaphanta National Park Nepal [First ed.] 9789937068659

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WILD MAMMALS

OF THE SHUKLAPHANTA NATIONAL PARK

LAXMAN PRASAD POUDYAL BABU RAM LAMICHHANE HEM SAGAR BARAL HARI BASNET

WILD MAMMALS OF THE SHUKLAPHANTA NATIONAL PARK

LAXMAN PRASAD POUDYAL BABU RAM LAMICHHANE HEM SAGAR BARAL HARI BASNET

Shuklaphanta National Park & Himalayan Nature

Published by

Shuklaphanta National Park Office Kanchanpur, Nepal &

Himalayan Nature PO Box 10918, Kathmandu, Nepal

Copyright © 2020 Publishers and Authors

All rights reserved. Any reproduction of this publication in full or in part must mention the title and credit the publishers and the authors.

ISBN 978-9937-0-6865-9

Front Cover: Chungba Sherpa, Sagar Giri, Aashish Joshi Back Cover: Sagar Giri

Preferred Citation Poudyal, L.P., Lamichhane, B.R., Baral, H.S., & Basnet, H. (2020). Wild Mammals of the Shuklaphanta National Park. Shuklaphanta National Park Office and Himalayan Nature, Kanchanpur and Kathmandu, Nepal.

Design and layout: Calligrafic Design Studio

Printed in Nepal

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

1

HABITATS

5

LIST OF MAMMALS OF THE PARK

9

REFERENCES FOR THE LIST OF MAMMALS

14

SPECIES ACCOUNT

15

PHOLIDOTA: Pangolins

16

EULIPOLYPHYLA: Shrews

24

CHIROPTERA: Bats

28

PRIMATES: Monkeys

38

CARNIVORA: Civets, Mongooses, Bears, Hyaenas, Mustelids, Canids & Felids

44

PROBOSCIDEA: Elephants

98

PERISSODACTYLA: Rhinoceros

104

ARTIODACTYLA: Pigs, Deer & Antelope

110

RODENTIA: Mice, Rats, Squirrels & Porcupines

136

LAGOMORPHA: Hares & Rabbits

166

BIBLIOGRAPHY

172

INDEX OF ENGLISH NAMES

191

INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES

192

i

Photographs: Aashish Joshi, Aditya Chavan, Alen Jbo, Ambika Prasad Khatiwada, Ansil B. R., Babu Ram Lamichhane, Bharat Bandhu Thapa, Bijoy Venugopal, Chien C. Lee, Chiranjivi Khanal, Chungba Sherpa, Dhiraj Chaudhary, Friedrich Esser, Gyan Chandra Gyani, Hardik Patel, Hari Basnet, Indigo Taylor-Noguera, Janetand Phil, Kavi Raj Bohara, Kum Thakur, Laba Guragain, Laxman Prasad Poudyal, Markus Lilje, Md. Zaber Ansary, Narayan Rijal, Sagar Giri, Sanjay Tha Shrestha, Sarbjit Randhawa, Saroj Khadka, Sher Bahadur Pariyar, Sher Bahadur Singh, ShNP, SMCRF, Sunny Josef, Tashi Rapte Ghale, Tika Giri, Tulshi Laxmi Suwal, Utsab Jung Thapa, Vikram Tiwari, Yam Bahadur Rawat Maps: Hari Basnet (global and national species distribution maps), Umesh Paudel (park level species record maps) and Dr. Bhola Nath Dhakal (national park and buffer zone ward level map). Review: Tulsi Ram Subedi, PhD

ii

PREFACE

Shuklaphanta National Park (ShNP) in south-western Nepal is an important habitat for many rare and threatened wildlife. It is a part of the transboundary Terai Arc Landscape that spans the lowlands of Nepal and India. The park is an important part of the Terai-Duar Savanna and Grasslands ecoregion and this vegetation covers 27% of its total area of this protected area. The park is famous for the largest herd of Barasingha in the world. Being an ecologically diverse area, several surveys focusing on different animals were carried out in the park since its establishment in 1976. Studies based on intensive camera trapping targeting tigers in recent decades have detected many rare wildlife, including several first records for Nepal. For instance, recent studies recorded Rusty-spotted Cat Prionailurus rubiginosus, Ruddy Mongoose Herpestes smithii, Fishing Cat Prionailurus viverrinus, Indian Flying Fox Pteropus giganteus, Greater Short-nosed Fruit Bat Cynopterus sphinx, Greater Asiatic Yellow House Bat Scotophilus heathii and Painted Bat Kerivoula picta in and the vicinity of the park; former two are being the first records for Nepal and remaining the first records for the park. However, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding on the total mammalian species of ShNP and their spatial distribution within the park. It is the first attempt to compile the mammalian species recorded in the park with detailed species accounts of 56 mammalian species. We believe a detailed species account will be a great asset for the park visitors, scientific communities, naturalists as well as anyone interested in the mammalian species. Furthermore, this initiation will provide a reference material for national park authorities for conserving the faunal diversity of the park. This will also inspire other parks to develop similar resources, which is lacking in most of the protected areas of Nepal. The checklist was compiled using both the primary records obtained through camera traps and review of the published records of mammalian species in the park. We reviewed published books and checklists of mammals. Wild Mammals of Nepal by Baral & Shah (2008), The Status of Nepal Mammals: The National Red List Series by Jnawali et al., (2011) and Enumeration of the Mammals of Nepal by Suwal & Verheugt (1995) were the primary references for this book. The systematic description of mammals is presented according to evolutionary development. Within species ecology, we followed the latest taxonomy for scientific and common names of species following the IUCN Red List of Threatened Category. Additionally, we have compiled the local name of each species as much as possible. Within each species account, we have provided global, national as well as distribution of species within ShNP, and prepared the global as well as national map of the species. Global range map of each species is extracted from the IUCN Red List site https://www.iucnredlist.org/ while the national map is based on the Status of Nepal Mammals: The National Red List Series by Jnawali et al., (2011) and authors' compilation of species distribution.

iii

We consulted many professionals as well as amateur photographers to get high quality photos. Photos taken within the ShNP are preferred; however a few photos taken other parts of Nepal or outside have been also used with credits to photographer. We are very much grateful to all the photographers for providing such excellent images. The photos are presented to illustrate the morphological characteristics of the species. Morphology, Ecology and Conservation Status of the species are based on published and peer reviewed literature. Shuklaphanta National Park offered us to write the manuscript. National Trust for Nature Conservation- Biodiversity Conservation Center, Chitwan provided space for two workshops each lasting three days. Chitwan workshops were held for initial and final compilation and editing. We would like to thank the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, National Trust for Nature Conservation and Himalayan Nature for their constant support and encouragement. We would like to thank Ashok Kumar Ram, Rishi Ranabhat, Sanjan Thapa, Bishnu Prasad Pandey, Dr. Naresh Subedi, Dr. Rabin Kadariya and Tulshi Laxmi Suwal for their contributions in the manuscript for some species. We have put our best efforts in giving this book a pleasant look and as much as informative. This is the property of far west Nepal. We are very much thankful to former DFO Ramesh Chand, Chair of the Hotel Association of Kanchanpur district Pramanand Bhandari, Bufferzone Committees, Bhimdutta and other peripheral municipalities, Devidal Battalion of Nepali Army, park staff and local people for their support. We look forward to your constructive suggestions for the next edition.

Laxman Prasad Poudyal Babu Ram Lamichhane Hem Sagar Baral Hari Basnet 17 May 2020

iv

INTRODUCTION

Background The Shuklaphanta National Park (ShNP) is situated at the southwestern corner of Nepal in Kanchanpur district of Sudurpaschim Province. It lies between 28º 45' 47” - 29º 02’ 52” N latitudes and 80º 05’ 45” - 80º 21’ 43” E longitudes. The altitude ranges from 175 – 1300 m above sea level. It lies at the middle of the transboundary Terai Arc Landscape which extends from Bagmati River in the east to Yamuna River in the west covering 14 protected areas of India and Nepal (Chanchani et al., 2014). Historically, the grasslands and forests of Shuklaphanta were famous hunting spots for royalties of Nepal and their distinguished guests. It was declared as Royal Hunting Forest with an area of 131 km2 in 1969 (Yadav et al., 2000). Later it was promulgated as the Royal Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve in 1976 covering an area of 155 km2 and extended to the present size of 305 km2 in 1994. The area of 243.5 km2 surrounding the reserve was declared as buffer zone in 2004 to bring local people in conservation mainstream and support their development needs. The Reserve’s status was changed as Shuklaphanta National Park in 2017. This protected area is named after the largest grassland of lowland Nepal, the Shuklaphanta, which is home to the largest herd of the Swamp Deer Rucervus duvaucelii duvaucelii in the world.

Swamp Deer herd at Shuklaphanta, Photo: Bharat Bandhu Thapa

1

Poudyal, L.P., Lamichhane, B.R., Baral, H.S., & Basnet, H. (2020). Wild Mammals of the Shuklaphanta National Park. Shuklaphanta National Park Office and Himalayan Nature, Kanchanpur and Kathmandu, Nepal.

Shuklaphanta National Park and Buffer Zone: A Fact Sheet Location

District: Kanchanpur; Province: Sudurpaschim

Park boundary

North: Siwalik ridge (Dadeldhura District boundary) South: Nepal India Border East: Syali River West: Mahakali River

History

1969 – Royal Hunting Forest, Area: 131 km2 1976 – Royal Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve, Area: 155 km2 (19 July 1976) 1994 – Area extension (East from Chaudhar River) 150 km2 (23 May 1994) 2004 – Buffer Zone declared, Area: 243.5 km2 (22 May 2004) 2017 – Status Changed to National Park (20 February 2017)

IUCN Protected Area Category

II - National Park; and VI - Buffer Zone

Area

National Park - 305 km2; and Buffer Zone - 243.5 km2

Physiographic Zones

Terai & Siwaliks

Altitude range

175 - 1300 m

Latitude

28º 45' 47” - 29º 02’ 52” N

Longitude

80º 05’ 45” - 80º 21’ 43” E

Floral Diversity

118 Family; 665 Species

Faunal Diversity

Mammals Birds Reptiles Amphibians Fish

Buffer zone

Municipals: 7; Buffer Zone User Committees: 9; Community Forests: 42

56 450 56 15 24

The park is connected to Dudhwa National Park, India towards southeast via Laljhadi forest corridor and Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary, India towards northwest via Boom-Brahmadev forest corridor and Mahakali River.

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Poudyal, L.P., Lamichhane, B.R., Baral, H.S., & Basnet, H. (2020). Wild Mammals of the Shuklaphanta National Park. Shuklaphanta National Park Office and Himalayan Nature, Kanchanpur and Kathmandu, Nepal.

Buffer Zone area and Park Boundary Details Area (Km2)

Names

Ward Number

Perimeter of Park Boundary (Km)

Mahakali Municipality

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

48.48

11.517

Bhimdutt Municipality

13,14,15,16,17,18,19

30.46

29.269

Bedkot Municipality

1,3,9,10

27.89

24.935

Shuklaphanta Municipality

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,10,12

76.25

38.610

Laljhadi Rural Municipality

3,4,6

29.34

8.798

Belauri Municipality

9

6.80

9.410

Beldandi Rural Municipality

1,2,4,5

24.28

16.265

Dadeldhura District

4.347

India

15.044

Total

243.50

158.195

3

Poudyal, L.P., Lamichhane, B.R., Baral, H.S., & Basnet, H. (2020). Wild Mammals of the Shuklaphanta National Park. Shuklaphanta National Park Office and Himalayan Nature, Kanchanpur and Kathmandu, Nepal.

Tiger, One-horned Rhinoceros, Leopard, Asian Elephant, Photos: ShNP, Chungba Sherpa, Dhiraj Chaudhary, Yam Bahadur Rawat

Climate The area has a tropical monsoon climate with three distinct seasons: winter (November – February), summer (March - June) and monsoon (July – October). The mean monthly minimum temperature varies from 10 to 12°C in winter and 26°C in the summer. Over 80% (1500-2000 mm) of the annual precipitation occur during monsoon between June and September. Mean maximum temperature is 4042°C in April-May (Balson, 1976).

Greater One-horned Rhinoceros at ShNP, Photo: Chungba Sherpa

Rhinoceros, enjoying the Chaudhar River floodplain at ShNP, Photo: Vikram Tiwari

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Poudyal, L.P., Lamichhane, B.R., Baral, H.S., & Basnet, H. (2020). Wild Mammals of the Shuklaphanta National Park. Shuklaphanta National Park Office and Himalayan Nature, Kanchanpur and Kathmandu, Nepal.

HABITATS

Forests Shuklaphanta National Park supports a wide range of biodiversity which is nationally and globally important. The forests cover about 60% of the park area. The majority of the park is covered by the sal Shorea robusta dominated forest which is climax vegetation in the park. Associated trees in the sal forests include Terminalia alata, Terminalia belerica, Largestromia parviflora and Pterocarpus marsupium. The middle layer vegetation is dominated by Cleistocalyx operculatus, Buchanania latifolia, Mallotus philippensis and Careya arborea in the sal forests. Other forest habitat types are moist riverine forest (Syzigium cumini, Mallotus philippinensis and Trevia nudiflora which is usually associated with Bombax ceiba) and Khair-Sissoo Forest (Dalbergia sisoo-Acacia catechu).

Sal Forest Habitat at ShNP, Photo: Laxman Prasad Poudyal

5

Poudyal, L.P., Lamichhane, B.R., Baral, H.S., & Basnet, H. (2020). Wild Mammals of the Shuklaphanta National Park. Shuklaphanta National Park Office and Himalayan Nature, Kanchanpur and Kathmandu, Nepal.

Grasslands The park is famous for its grassland habitats covering about 27% of the park’s total area. Shuklaphanta is the largest intact grassland in lowland Nepal which covers an area of 34 km2 in south-west of the Bahuni River and south of the forest (ShNP, 2017). It is savanna type floodplain grassland consisting a mosaic of tall and short grasses. Short grasslands are interspersed with tall grassland patches in the central part of the Shuklaphanta. Besides Shuklaphanta; Barkaula, Karaiya, Sundari Phanta, Radhapur/Mohanpur, Kalikich, Singhpur, Haraiya, Andaiya Pattaiya, Bhatpuri, Dhakka, Tarapur, Hirapur and Arjuni, are the other important grassland habitats in the park. Table: Major grasslands in Shuklaphanta National Park (Source: ShNP, 2017)

Grassland Characteristics

S.N.

Grassland Name

Area in Hectare

1

Shuklaphanta

3409.89

2

Barkaula

347.68

Waterlogged tall grasses.

3

Karaiya

276.00

Short grasslands. Small patches surrounded by tall grasses.

4

Sundari Phanta

222.00

Short grasslands. Small patches surrounded by tall grasses.

5

Radhapur/ Mohanpur

635.86

Heavily grazed by the domestic livestock. This grassland includes Radhapur, Mohanpur and Bhursa.

Largest intact grassland in lowland Nepal.

Swamp Deer at Shuklaphanta, Photo: ShNP

6

Poudyal, L.P., Lamichhane, B.R., Baral, H.S., & Basnet, H. (2020). Wild Mammals of the Shuklaphanta National Park. Shuklaphanta National Park Office and Himalayan Nature, Kanchanpur and Kathmandu, Nepal.

0.75

Heavily grazed by the domestic livestock. Habitat is altering due to irrigation canal outlet.

6

Kalikich

7

Singhpur

226.41

Short grasslands. Small patches surrounded by tall grasses.

8

Haraiya

531.11

Chaudhar River floodplain. Short and tall grasses are interspersed. Growing scattered trees.

9

Andaiya Pattaiya

1018.31

Chaudhar River floodplain. Newly created grasslands from abandoned cultivated land and human settlements. This big grassland also includes Darak, Lalpani, Chauferi, and Bichuwa grasslands.

10

Bhatpuri/ Padau

701.80

11

Dhakka

53.42

12

Tarapur

546.08

13

Hirapur

253.24

14

Arjuni

142.68

Newly created grassland from abandoned cultivated land and human settlements. Scattered trees, agricultural field and scattered huts. Encroached by people in Dhakka and Tarapur. Newly created grassland from abandoned cultivated land and human settlements heavily grazed by the domestic livestock. An area of 58 ha in Hirapur is enclosed for Blackbuck conservation.

Wetlands The rivers, streams, lakes and swamps form the wetland networks of ShNP and provide very good habitat for wildlife in the park. Mahakali, Chaudhar, Radha and Syali are the major river systems whereas Bahuni and Lalpani are other important streams. An irrigation canal passing through the park in eastern part

Greater One-horned Rhinoceros wallowing at ShNP wetland, Photo: Chungba Sherpa

7

Poudyal, L.P., Lamichhane, B.R., Baral, H.S., & Basnet, H. (2020). Wild Mammals of the Shuklaphanta National Park. Shuklaphanta National Park Office and Himalayan Nature, Kanchanpur and Kathmandu, Nepal.

Wetland, grassland and forest a mosaic habitat, Photo: Laxman Prasad Poudyal

(between Baranikheda and Beldandi) also supports water for wildlife. However, this 20 km irrigation canal and a road along the canal bisect the park which might also affect the wildlife movement. No study has been carried out to find the impact of the canal thus far. The other water sources in the park are ox-bow lakes such as Ranital, Solgaudital, Kalikichtal, Shikarital, Ghumaunetal, Taratal, Babatal and marshes in the grasslands. These wetlands are important habitat for wild animals including rhinos, swamp deer and migratory water birds.

Settlements and Cultivated Lands The buffer zone surrounding the park has majority of agricultural land (ca. 70%) followed by forests 21% water bodies 7% and grasslands 2%. The buffer zone is spread in 7 municipalities and 38 wards with 280 settlements comprising ca.18,000 households. Local people in the Buffer Zone practice subsistence agriculture and animal husbandry as primary source of livelihood. Livestock include cows, buffaloes, goats, sheep and pigs. Major crops include rice, wheat, maize, sugarcane and banana. Almost all the park is free of human settlement/ agriculture except an encroached settlement including several households in the SouthEastern part of the park.

8

Poudyal, L.P., Lamichhane, B.R., Baral, H.S., & Basnet, H. (2020). Wild Mammals of the Shuklaphanta National Park. Shuklaphanta National Park Office and Himalayan Nature, Kanchanpur and Kathmandu, Nepal.

LIST OF MAMMALS OF THE PARK

A total of 56 mammalian species has been documented from the Shuklaphanta National Park (ShNP) based on camera-trap photographs (37), other photographic evidences (4) published and unpublished records with locality details (5) and published reports without locality details (10). Out of 56 mammal species, 17 are globally threatened, 3 are near threatened in IUCN Red List (www.iucnredlist.org) and 34 species are listed in CITES Appendices (10 in Appendix I; 8 in Appendix II; and 16 in Appendix III) (www.cites.org). In National Red List of Nepal, 23 species are nationally threatened, 1 near threatened and 5 are data deficient (Amin et al., 2018). Ten species are protected by the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973 as Schedule I species. The table in the next four pages provides the status of individual species in NPWC act Nepal; IUCN national and global Red List; CITES status; and reference for the record of that species in ShNP. Additional, 6 mammal species (Eurasian Otter Lutra lutra, Grey Shrew Crocidura attenuata, Particolored Flying Squirrel Hylopetes alboniger, Brown Spiny Mouse Mus saxicola, Earth Coloured Mouse Mus terricolor and Lesser Asiatic Yellow House Bat Scotophilus kuhlii) whose distribution range included Shuklaphanta National Park in ‘The Status of Nepal’s Mammals: The National Red List Series’ (Jnawali et al., 2011) but we could not find conclusive evidence of their presence. Thus, we did not include these six species in this list of mammals of Shuklaphanta National Park. We suggest further investigations on these species as well as other lesser known mammals especially rodents and bats.

Codes

Explanation

P

Schedule I Protected species by NPWC Act

I

CITES Appendix I

II

CITES Appendix II

III

CITES Appendix III

LC

Least Concern

VU

Vulnerable

EN

Endangered

CR

Critically Endangered

DD

Data Deficient

9

Poudyal, L.P., Lamichhane, B.R., Baral, H.S., & Basnet, H. (2020). Wild Mammals of the Shuklaphanta National Park. Shuklaphanta National Park Office and Himalayan Nature, Kanchanpur and Kathmandu, Nepal.

Reference

CITES Appendices

NPWC Act

National IUCN Redlist Global Status

Conservation Status

Scientific Name

SN

Common Name

Table: Status of mammal species in NPWC Act; IUCN national and global Red List; CITES status; and reference for the record of that species in ShNP

ORDER: PHOLIDOTA Family: Manidae 1

Indian Pangolin

Manis crassicaudata

P

EN

EN

I

5,7,13

2

Chinese Pangolin

Manis pentadactyla

P

EN

CR

I

5,13,14

Suncus murinus

-

LC

LC

-

1,4, 7, 8

ORDER: EULIPOTYPHLA Family – Soricidae 3

House Shrew

ORDER: CHIROPTERA Family – Pteropodidae 4

Indian Flying Fox

Pteropus giganteus

-

LC

LC

II

9

5

Greater Short-nosed Fruit Bat

Cynopterus sphinx

-

LC

LC

-

6

Family – Vespertilionidae 6

Painted Bat

Kerivoula picta

-

LC

LC

-

14

7

Greater Asiatic Yellow House Bat

Scotophilus heathii

-

LC

LC

-

6, 14

ORDER: PRIMATES Family – Cercopithecidae 8

Rhesus Monkey

Macaca mulatta

-

LC

LC

II

4,5,7,14

9

Terai Gray Langur

Semnopithecus hector

-

LC

NT

I

4,5,7,14

ORDER: CARNIVORA Family – Canidae 10

Golden Jackal

Canis aureus

-

LC

LC

III (India)

4,5,7,14

11

Asiatic Wild Dog

Cuon alpinus

-

EN

EN

II

4,5,7

12

Bengal Fox

Vulpes bengalensis

-

VU

LC

III (India)

1,4,5,7,14

Melursus ursinus

-

EN

VU

I

4,5,11,14

Lutrogale perspicillata

-

EN

VU

II

4,5,7,14

Family – Ursidae 13

Sloth Bear

Family – Mustelidae 14

Smooth-coated Otter

10

Poudyal, L.P., Lamichhane, B.R., Baral, H.S., & Basnet, H. (2020). Wild Mammals of the Shuklaphanta National Park. Shuklaphanta National Park Office and Himalayan Nature, Kanchanpur and Kathmandu, Nepal.

Reference

CITES Appendices

National IUCN Redlist Global Status

NPWC Act

Scientific Name

Common Name

SN

Conservation Status

15

Yellow-throated Marten

Martes flavigula

-

LC

LC

III (India)

4,5,7,14

16

Honey Badger

Mellivora capensis

-

EN

LC

III (Botswana)

5,7,14

Family – Viverridae 17

Masked Palm Civet

Paguma larvata

-

LC

LC

III (India)

5,14

18

Asian Palm Civet

Paradoxurus hermaphroditus

-

LC

LC

III (India)

1,14

19

Large Indian Civet

Viverra zibetha

-

NT

LC

III (India)

4,5,7,14

20

Small Indian Civet

Viverricula indica

-

LC

LC

III (India)

4,5,7,14

Family – Herpestidae 21

Indian Grey Mongoose

Herpestes edwardsii

-

LC

LC

III (India, Pakistan)

4,5,7,14

22

Crab-eating Mongoose

Herpestes urva

-

VU

LC

III (India)

4,5,7,14

23

Ruddy Mongoose

Herpestes smithii

-

DD

LC

III (India)

14

24

Small Indian Mongoose

Herpestes auropunctatus

-

LC

LC

III (India)

5,7

Hyaena hyaena

P

EN

NT

III (Pakistan)

4,5,7,14

Family – Hyaenidae 25

Striped Hyaena

Family – Felidae 26

Jungle Cat

Felis chaus

-

LC

LC

II

1,4,5,7,14

27

Common Leopard

Panthera pardus

-

VU

VU

I

4,5,7,14

28

Bengal Tiger

Panthera tigris

P

EN

EN

I

4,5,7,14

29

Leopard Cat

Prionailurus bengalensis

P

VU

LC

II

4,5,7,14

30

Fishing Cat

Prionailurus viverrinus

-

EN

VU

II

4,5,14

31

Rusty-spotted Cat

Prionailurus rubiginosus

-

DD

NT

II

10,14

Elephas maximus

P

EN

EN

I

4,5,7,14

ORDER: PROBOSCIDEA Family – Elephantidae 32

Asian Elephant

11

Poudyal, L.P., Lamichhane, B.R., Baral, H.S., & Basnet, H. (2020). Wild Mammals of the Shuklaphanta National Park. Shuklaphanta National Park Office and Himalayan Nature, Kanchanpur and Kathmandu, Nepal.

Reference

CITES Appendices

National IUCN Redlist Global Status

NPWC Act

Scientific Name

Common Name

SN

Conservation Status

ORDER: PERISSODACTYLA Family – Rhinocerotidae 33

Greater One-horned Rhinoceros

Rhinoceros unicornis

P

EN

VU

I

4,5,7,14

Sus scrofa

-

LC

LC

-

1,4,5,7,14

ORDER: ARTIODACTYLA Family – Suidae 34

Wild Boar

Family – Cervidae 35

Spotted Deer

Axis axis

-

VU

LC

36

Hog Deer

Axis porcinus

-

EN

EN

III (Pakistan)

4,5,7,14 1,4,5,7,14

37

Barasingha

Rucervus duvaucelii

P

EN

VU

I

1,4,5,7,14

38

Sambar

Rusa unicolor

-

VU

VU

-

4,5,7,14

39

Northern Red Muntjac

Muntiacus vaginalis

-

VU

LC

-

1,4,5,7,14

Family – Bovidae 40

Blackbuck

Antilope cervicapra

P

VU

LC

III (Nepal, Pakistan)

12

41

Nilgai

Boselaphus tragocamelus

-

VU

LC

III (Pakistan)

4,5,7,14

Funambulus pennantii

-

LC

LC

-

1,4,5,7,8,14

ORDER: RODENTIA Family – Scuiridae 42

Five-striped Palm Squirrel

Family – Pteromyidae 43

Hodgson's Giant Flying Squirrel

Petaurista magnificus

-

DD

LC

-

8

44

Red Giant Flying Squirrel

Petaurista petaurista

-

DD

LC

-

1,5

Family – Muridae 45

Lesser Bandicoot Rat

Bandicota bengalensis

-

LC

LC

-

4,5,7

46

Greater Bandicoot Rat

Bandicota indica

-

LC

LC

-

5

47

Indian Bush Rat

Golunda ellioti

-

LC

LC

-

5,7

48

Little Indian Field Mouse

Mus booduga

-

LC

LC

-

1,7,8

12

Poudyal, L.P., Lamichhane, B.R., Baral, H.S., & Basnet, H. (2020). Wild Mammals of the Shuklaphanta National Park. Shuklaphanta National Park Office and Himalayan Nature, Kanchanpur and Kathmandu, Nepal.

-

LC

LC

-

5

Rattus pyctoris

-

LC

LC

-

5,14

51

House Rat

Rattus rattus

-

LC

LC

-

1,5,7

52

Asiatic Long-tailed Climbing Mouse

Vandeleuria oleracea

-

LC

LC

-

5,7

53

Indian Gerbil

Tatera indica

-

LC

LC

-

5,7

Hystrix indica

-

DD

LC

-

4,5,7,14

CITES Appendices

Reference

Mus musculus

Turkestan Rat

National IUCN Redlist Global Status

House Mouse

50

NPWC Act

Scientific Name

49

SN

Common Name

Conservation Status

Family – Hystricidae 54

Indian Crested Porcupine

ORDER: LAGOMORPHA Family – Leporidae 55

Indian Hare

Lepus nigricollis

-

LC

LC

-

2,3,4,5,7,14

56

Hispid Hare

Caprolagus hispidus

P

EN

EN

I

2,3,4,5,7,8,14

A tigress with three cubs in the bank of Chaudhar River (ShNP), Photo: Kaviraj Bohara

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Poudyal, L.P., Lamichhane, B.R., Baral, H.S., & Basnet, H. (2020). Wild Mammals of the Shuklaphanta National Park. Shuklaphanta National Park Office and Himalayan Nature, Kanchanpur and Kathmandu, Nepal.

References for the List of Mammals 1.

2.

3.

4.

5. 6. 7.

8.

9. 10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

Mitchell, R.M. (1977). Accounts of Nepalese Mammals and Analysis of the Hostectoparasite Data by Computer Techniques. A Dissertation Submitted to the Graduate Faculty in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Department of Zoology, Iowa State University. xiii+558 pp Oliver, W.L.R (1984). The Distribution and Status of the Hispid Hare Caprolagus hispidus: the summarized findings of the 1984 pigmy hog/hispid hare field survey in northern Bangladesh, southern Nepal and northern India. The Dodo, Journal of the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust, 21:6-32. Bell, D.J. (1986). A Study of the Hispid Hare Caprolagus hispidus in Royal Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve, Western Nepal: a Summary Report. Dodo, Journal of the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust, 23:24-31. Suwal, R.N., & Verheugt, W.J.M. (1995). Enumeration of the Mammals of Nepal. Biodiversity Profile Project Technical Publication number 6. Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Kathmandu. x+86 pp Baral, H.S., & Shah, K.B. (2008). Wild Mammals of Nepal. Himalayan Nature, Kathmandu. 188 pp Chaudhary, P., & Ghimire, R. (2010). First Phase Study of Bats in Far-western Development Region, Nepal. Small Mammal Mail, 2(2):37-39. Jnawali, S.R., Baral, H.S., Lee, S., Acharya, K.P., Upadhyay, G.P., Pandey, M., Shrestha, R., Joshi, D., Lamichhane, B.R., Griffiths, J., Khatiwada, A. P., Subedi, N. & Amin, R. (compilers) (2011). The Status of Nepal Mammals: The National Red List Series. Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Kathmandu, Nepal. Viii+266 pp Pearch, M.J. (2011). A Review of the Biological Diversity and Distribution of Small Mammal Taxa in the Terrestrial Ecoregions and Protected Areas of Nepal. Zootaxa 3072: 286. Acharya, P.R. (2015). Conservation Initiatives for Fruit Bats in Nepal. Update report submitted to Rufford Small Grant Foundation. 2 pp Lamichhane, B.R., Kadariya, R., Subedi, N., Dhakal, B.K., Dhakal, M., Thapa, K. & Acharya, K.P. (2016). Rusty-spotted cat: 12th cat species discovered in Western Terai of Nepal. CatNews, 64:30-33. Yadav, H.K., Lamichhane, B.R., Dhakal, B.K., Subedi, N., & Dhakal, M. (2016). Sloth Bear Rediscovered in Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve, Nepal. International Bear News, 25(2):25-27. DNPWC (2016). Site Specific Conservation Action Plan for Blackbuck in Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve, Nepal (2016–2020). Government of Nepal, Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Kathmandu, Nepal. iv+31 pp DNPWC & DoF (2018). Pangolin Conservation Action Plan for Nepal (2018-2022). Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation and Department of Forests, Kathmandu, Nepal. iv+29 pp Poudyal, L.P., Lamichhane, B.R., Paudel, U., Niroula, S.R., Prasai, A., Malla, S., Subedi, N., Thapa, K., & Dahal, B.R. (2019). Mammals of Shuklaphanta: An Account from Camera Trap Survey. Shuklaphanta National Park Office, Kanchanpur, Nepal. 78 pp

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Poudyal, L.P., Lamichhane, B.R., Baral, H.S., & Basnet, H. (2020). Wild Mammals of the Shuklaphanta National Park. Shuklaphanta National Park Office and Himalayan Nature, Kanchanpur and Kathmandu, Nepal.

SPECIES ACCOUNT

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Poudyal, L.P., Lamichhane, B.R., Baral, H.S., & Basnet, H. (2020). Wild Mammals of the Shuklaphanta National Park. Shuklaphanta National Park Office and Himalayan Nature, Kanchanpur and Kathmandu, Nepal.

ORDER: PHOLIDOTA

Pangolin species in the World

8 (Challender et al., 2019)

Pangolin Species in Nepal

2 (Jnawali et al., 2011)

Pangolin Species in ShNP

2

Indian Pangolin, Photo: Sher Bahadur Pariyar

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Poudyal, L.P., Lamichhane, B.R., Baral, H.S., & Basnet, H. (2020). Wild Mammals of the Shuklaphanta National Park. Shuklaphanta National Park Office and Himalayan Nature, Kanchanpur and Kathmandu, Nepal.

Order

Family

Genus

PHOLIDOTA

Manidae

Manis

Species

crassicaudata pentadactyla

Characteristics of Pholidota  The word pholidota is derived from a Greek word ‘pholis’ or ‘pholidos’ which means the

animals with horny scale.  The words Manidae and Manis came from Latin word ‘manes’ meaning spirit of the dead

or ghost because of their nocturnal habits (Pantel & Chin, 2009).  Pangolin is the only mammal which whole dorsal body is covered by scales. The ventral

part till belly is without scales but covered with soft hair.  Pangolin scales are made of keratin, the same material that makes up nails, hair, and

horns of other mammalian species including human beings.  Pangolins are nocturnal; more active in night, early morning and late evening.  Pangolins have incredibly long tongue (longer than its body). The tongue is attached to

its abdominal wall and ‘stored’ in a cavity in the chest while not using.

Interesting Facts     

Pangolins are the world’s true scaly mammals. They are closer to armadillos and anteaters rather than other small carnivores; cats, dogs and bears. It’s believed to be the world’s most trafficked non-human mammal. Pangolins can release noxious- smelling liquids and erect the scales sharp to deter predators. When threatened, Pangolin can miraculously roll its body into a tight ball hiding the snout part. It is estimated that a Pangolin catches a massive amount of ants/termites (70 million a year on average).

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Poudyal, L.P., Lamichhane, B.R., Baral, H.S., & Basnet, H. (2020). Wild Mammals of the Shuklaphanta National Park. Shuklaphanta National Park Office and Himalayan Nature, Kanchanpur and Kathmandu, Nepal.

INDIAN PANGOLIN Taxonomic Information Scientific Name English Name Nepali Name Local Name

Manis crassicaudata (Geoffroy, 1803) Indian Pangolin Tame Salak -tfd] ;fns_ Salak Machha, Pakhe Machha -;fns df5f, kfv] df5f_

Parks and Surkhet district (DNPWC & DoF, 2018). It has also been recorded from the areas adjoining Indian border and rescued a number of individuals from the western Terai and Churia foothills. The species is rare in the Shuklaphanta National Park.

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Indian Pangolin is native to south Asia, distributed in India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It is possibly extinct from Bangladesh (Baillie et al., 2014).

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta The distribution of Indian Pangolin in Shuklaphanta National Park is not well understood. There was one photographic evidence of 2017 from Punarbas area ca 20 km south-east of the park. However, local people had reported the sighting of the Indian Pangolin in and around the Shuklaphanta National Park in between 5–10 years ago. The scales of Indian Pangolin were also found in Raikawar Bichwa and Krishnapur villages at Kanchanpur district (Suwal, 2019).

Morphological Characteristics

2. National Distribution

The Indian Pangolin is distinguished by conical and muzzle pointed head with flat and long body covered by yellowish-brown colored scales. It possesses a total of 440– 530 scales, 39–54% of which are located on tail. Scales are 6.5–7.0 cm long, 8.5 cm wide, and weigh around 7–10 gm. The Indian Pangolin bears 11–14 transversal, 11–13 longitudinal scales rows on the mid-body whereas there are 14–17 rows of scales on the tail margins (Mahmood et al., 2019). The species has considerably larger scales than of Chinese Pangolin. These scales are yellowbrown or yellow-gray in color and several yellowish bristle-like hairs protrude from the base of the scales. The skin and scales make up about one-fourth to one-third of the

Indian Pangolin is reported mostly from the Terai landscapes including Shuklaphanta, Bardia, Banke, Chitwan and Parsa National

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Poudyal, L.P., Lamichhane, B.R., Baral, H.S., & Basnet, H. (2020). Wild Mammals of the Shuklaphanta National Park. Shuklaphanta National Park Office and Himalayan Nature, Kanchanpur and Kathmandu, Nepal.

body mass (Mahmood et al., 2013). Head and body length of Indian Pangolin ranges 45–75 cm, and the tail is 33–45 cm (which varies according to age and sex). The adult male weighs on average 10–12 kilograms and females are slightly smaller than males; weighing 9–11 kilograms (Mahmood et al., 2019). Pangolins possess 5 powerful claws on each limb while fore limbs are adapted for digging burrows or locating their prey's nests.

Pangolin curls up into a ball for protection, exposing only its scales. It lives solitary most of the time, except during breeding season when male and female live in the same burrow (Baillie et al., 2014). The gestation period is approximately 8 months (251 days) at Pangolin Conservation Breeding Center, Nandankanan Zoological Park, Odisha, India (Mohapatra et al., 2018). Females usually give birth to single young during JanuaryMarch and July-November. Parental care and breast feeding occur approximately for 5-8 months and young reach adult size and sexual maturity at about 3 years of age. Life span of Indian Pangolin in captivity is more than 19 years (Mahmood et al., 2019). The generation length is 7 years (Baillie et al., 2014).

Ecology 1. Habitat and Food Indian Pangolin occupies a variety of habitats; tropical and sub-tropical forests, open grasslands, sparse wooded forests, scrublands (DNPWC & DoF, 2018). The species is also recorded near human habitations and thought to adapt well to modified habitats with no hunting pressure and abundant prey (ant and termites). It is terrestrial and specialized to feed on ants, termites and their eggs by licking with its long tongue measuring up to 42.5 cm (Mahmood et al., 2019).

Conservation Status and Threats Indian Pangolin is listed as ‘Endangered’ in IUCN Red List–both global and national (Jnawali et al., 2011; Baillie et al., 2014) level and included in the Appendix I of the CITES. In Nepal it is listed as protected species (schedule I of NPWC Act 1973) and the government of Nepal has developed a Pangolin Conservation Action Plan (20182022) (DNPWC & DoF, 2018).

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal The Indian Pangolin is nocturnal. It spends the daytime in underground burrows or under rocks concealing the entrance with loose earth, making detection difficult (Jnawali et al., 2011). When threat is detected, the Indian

Over exploitation for local use and illegal trade, poaching, persecution, habitat degradation and loss are the major threats to Indian Pangolin (Amin et al., 2019).

Indian Pangolin at Punarvas area of Kanchanpur District, Photo: Yam Bahadur Rawat

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Poudyal, L.P., Lamichhane, B.R., Baral, H.S., & Basnet, H. (2020). Wild Mammals of the Shuklaphanta National Park. Shuklaphanta National Park Office and Himalayan Nature, Kanchanpur and Kathmandu, Nepal.

CHINESE PANGOLIN Taxonomic Information Scientific Name English Name Nepali Name Local Name

Manis pentadactyla (Linnaeus, 1758) Chinese Pangolin Kalo Salak -sfnf] ;fns_ Salak Machha, Pakhe Machha, Hile Machha -;fns df5f, kfv] df5f, lxn] df5f_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Chinese Pangolin is widely distributed in east, south and southeast Asia and found in Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Hong Kong, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam (Wu et al., 2019).

2. National Distribution Hodgson (1836) was the first to record the Chinese Pangolin (as Manis auritus) from Nepal (lower and central regions). The Chinese Pangolin is primarily recorded in the central

The first national survey conducted in 2016 revealed distribution of Chinese Pangolin in 25 districts. This species is very rare in Shuklaphanta National Park.

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta Chinese Pangolin is recorded in north-eastern part of the park, northern buffer zone and adjoining forests. It was also photographed from park during camera trapping survey from 2 locations with capture rate 0.12 per 100 camera trap days (Poudyal et al., 2019).

and eastern regions. The burrows of Chinese Pangolin are found up to 3,000m elevation in Taplejung district, eastern Nepal (Challender et al., 2019). It is also recorded towards west in the lowlands and foothills of Siwalik range. It is reported from Shuklaphanta, Bardia, Chitwan, Parsa, Makalu Barun, Sagarmatha and Shivapuri Nagarjun National Parks; and Annapurna, Gaurishankar and Kanchenjunga Conservation Areas (DNPWC & DoF, 2018).

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Poudyal, L.P., Lamichhane, B.R., Baral, H.S., & Basnet, H. (2020). Wild Mammals of the Shuklaphanta National Park. Shuklaphanta National Park Office and Himalayan Nature, Kanchanpur and Kathmandu, Nepal.

Chinese Pangolin, Photo: Tulshi Laxmi Suwal

Morphological Characteristics

Ecology

Chinese Pangolin is smaller than the Indian Pangolin with smaller dark brown scales and has pink-brown face and feet (Baral & Shah, 2008). The species bears ~550 scales in 14–18 transversal,15–19 longitudinal rows on the mid-body and 14–20 rows on the tail margins where scales are folded and sharply pointed (Wu et al., 2019). There are hair bristles between the scales. The scales are protective armor of the body. The head is small with a flat nose and well-developed ear flaps. The tail is shorter with a naked tip. The body is almost round. The fore feet and hind feet are equipped with sharp claws. Head and body length of adult Chinese Pangolin measure around 45–60 cm and the tail length of 25–40 cm (Zhang et al, 2016). The adult Chinese Pangolin weighs between 2–8 kg (Wu et al., 2019).

1. Habitat and Food Chinese Pangolin occurs in subtropical and deciduous forests, agricultural lands and near human habitations (Jnawali et al., 2011). The forest areas and rolling hills with numerous, large termite mounds are suitable habitat. It is primarily ant-eater; feeding on termites and ants. It uses its claws to open up termite and ant mounds. It draws its prey (ants and termites) into its mouths with help of a long (about 40 cm) thin and sticky tongue (IUCN/SSC/PSG, 2019).

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal Chinese Pangolin is solitary, nocturnal, and largely terrestrial although it is fully capable of climbing trees and swimming (Heath & Vanderlip, 1988; Suwal, 2011). It is extremely

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Poudyal, L.P., Lamichhane, B.R., Baral, H.S., & Basnet, H. (2020). Wild Mammals of the Shuklaphanta National Park. Shuklaphanta National Park Office and Himalayan Nature, Kanchanpur and Kathmandu, Nepal.

Active burrows with footprint, Photo: Tulshi Laxmi Suwal

Termite mound. Termites and ants are food source of pangolin. Photo: Ambika Prasad Khatiwada

Chinese Pangolin with her male baby, Photo: Tulshi Laxmi Suwal

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Poudyal, L.P., Lamichhane, B.R., Baral, H.S., & Basnet, H. (2020). Wild Mammals of the Shuklaphanta National Park. Shuklaphanta National Park Office and Himalayan Nature, Kanchanpur and Kathmandu, Nepal.

shy and slow-moving creature (Raynor, 2000). When threatened, the Chinese Pangolin curls up into a ball for protection, exposing only its scales. It is a burrowdwelling species. It uses its strong clawed forefeet to dig burrows for shelter, or enlarge passages of termite mounds to eat termites. While sheltering inside, it blocks the entrance of the burrow with loose earth. Sometimes, it also occupies the burrow of other animals (Raynor, 2000).

et al., 2019). Life span of Chinese Pangolin in the wild is still unknown but it has lived more than 20 years in the captivity (Wu et al., 2019).

Conservation Status and Threats The Chinese Pangolin is listed as Critically Endangered in the IUCN Red List globally (Challender et al., 2019) and ‘Endangered’ in Nepal (Jnawali et al., 2011). In CITES, it is included in the Appendix I; Nepal’s NPWC Act 1973 listed it as protected species (schedule I) and Conservation Action Plan for Nepal (2018–2022) is in place (DNPWC & DoF, 2018).

Chinese pangolin is sexually mature at the age of one year. The gestation period is approximately 6–7 months (Zhang et al., 2016). It usually gives birth to single young during autumn to early spring (September– February) (Sun et al., 2018). Young ones are carried on their mother's tail or back. Male pangolins also provide parental care and share a burrow with the female and young. The generation length is 7 years (Challender

Like Indian Pangolin, the Chinese Pangolin is threatened from poaching and illegal trade, persecution, habitat degradation and loss (Amin et al., 2018).

Chinese Pangolin, Photo: Laba Guragain

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Poudyal, L.P., Lamichhane, B.R., Baral, H.S., & Basnet, H. (2020). Wild Mammals of the Shuklaphanta National Park. Shuklaphanta National Park Office and Himalayan Nature, Kanchanpur and Kathmandu, Nepal.

ORDER: EULIPOTYPHLA

Shrew species in the World

527 (Burgin et al., 2018)

Shrew Species in Nepal

16 (Jnawali et al., 2011)

Shrew Species in ShNP

1

Asian House Shrew, Photo: Hari Basnet

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Poudyal, L.P., Lamichhane, B.R., Baral, H.S., & Basnet, H. (2020). Wild Mammals of the Shuklaphanta National Park. Shuklaphanta National Park Office and Himalayan Nature, Kanchanpur and Kathmandu, Nepal.

Order

Family

Genus

Species

EULIPOTYPHLA

Soricidae

Suncus

murinus

Characteristics of Eulipotyphla  Shrews have a long, slim rostrum, small eyes with poor vision.  They have long pointed narrow muzzles, and short ear pinnae.  They have acute sense of smell and hearing.

Facts  White-toothed Pygmy Shrew is the world's smallest known mammal by mass, weighing   

only about 1.8 grams. It is also recorded from Nepal's Chitwan National Park. Due to small body size and surface area to mass ratio, shrews must consume large amounts of food. Shrews are mainly insectivorous, but many species are functional omnivores. Very little is known about shrews, 63% species found in Nepal are data deficient nationally.

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Poudyal, L.P., Lamichhane, B.R., Baral, H.S., & Basnet, H. (2020). Wild Mammals of the Shuklaphanta National Park. Shuklaphanta National Park Office and Himalayan Nature, Kanchanpur and Kathmandu, Nepal.

ASIAN HOUSE SHREW Taxonomic Information Scientific Name English Name Nepali Name

Suncus murinus (Linnaeus, 1766) Asian House Shrew, House Shrew, Musk Shrew Ghar Chhuchundro -3/ 5'r'Gıf]_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Asian House Shrew is native to south and southeast Asia; and introduced to middleeast and Africa (Hutterer et al., 2016).

2. National Distribution Hodgson (1845) was the first to report House Shrew (as Sorex murinus, S. soccatus, S. nemorivagus) from central region of Nepal.

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta Richard Merle Mitchell from Iowa State University collected specimens of Asian House Shrew from Mahendranagar, Kanchanpur in 1965-1970 during his field expeditions to Nepal (Mitchell, 1977; Pearch, 2011); however, the present distribution of this species in Shuklaphanta National Park is not well understood.

Morphological Characteristics They are mouse-like in appearance, with a long-pointed nose. The fur color varies from light gray, grey-brown to black. The tail is short and thick with few bristles. The ears are pink. The weight of adult female ranges between 22 and 59 gram and body length varies between 165 to 225 mm (Chang et al., 1999a). Males are much heavier, weighing from 38 to 85 gram. Total body length of an adult male varies between 192 and 249 mm (Chang et al., 1999b).

Asian House Shrew is widespread east to west in Nepal up to 2825m (Baral & Shah, 2008). It occurs in Shuklaphanta, Rara, Langtang and Makalu Barun National Parks; and Annapurna Conservation Area (Jnawali et al., 2011). Outside the protected area, it has been recorded from Makawanpur, Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Dhankuta, Dolakha, Nuwakot, Kaski, Parbat, Myagdi, Sindhuli, Ilam and Panchthar districts (Suwal & Verheugt, 1995).

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Poudyal, L.P., Lamichhane, B.R., Baral, H.S., & Basnet, H. (2020). Wild Mammals of the Shuklaphanta National Park. Shuklaphanta National Park Office and Himalayan Nature, Kanchanpur and Kathmandu, Nepal.

Asian House Shrew, Photo: Hari Basnet

Ecology

The gestation period is usually 29-30 days and litter size varies from 1-4 or more (Hasler et al., 1977). Weaning occurs between 15 and 20 days. Females reach sexual maturity around 35 days (Gill & Rissman, 1997). The lifespan in captivity ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 or 3 years (Dryden, 1969); however, it generally lives up to 2 years in the wild (Nowak, 1999).

1. Habitat and Food Asian House Shrew is primarily terrestrial and highly adaptable species. It is found in forested areas, agricultural lands, and areas associated with human activity (Lench, 2004). The species is primarily insectivorous with opportunistically feeding on plant material, variety of invertebrates (Prakash & Singh, 1999) and human food items.

Conservation Status and Threats

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal

The Asian House Shrew is Least Concern in both global and national IUCN Red List (Hutterer et al., 2016; Amin et al., 2018). Persecution and poisoning are the main threat to the species.

Asian House Shrew is solitary and nocturnal. It constructs nest in forest/agricultural habitat and human habitations wherever possible. Reproduction occurs year-round.

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Poudyal, L.P., Lamichhane, B.R., Baral, H.S., & Basnet, H. (2020). Wild Mammals of the Shuklaphanta National Park. Shuklaphanta National Park Office and Himalayan Nature, Kanchanpur and Kathmandu, Nepal.

ORDER: CHIROPTERA

Bat species in the World

1386 (Burgin et al., 2018)

Bat Species in Nepal

56 (Jnawali et al., 2011; Thapa et al., 2012; Dahal et al., 2016; Sharma et al., 2019)

Bat Species in ShNP

4

Indian Flying Fox, Photo: Hari Basnet

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Order

Family

Genus

Species

Pteropus

giganteus

Cynopterus

sphinx

Kerivoula

picta

Scotophilus

heathii

Pteropodidae CHIROPTERA Pespertilionidae

Characteristics of Chiroptera  Only mammals capable of true and sustained flight with forelimbs adapted as wings.  Most of the bats are nocturnal and use echolocation to navigate.  All bats hang upside down and many of them roost in caves.

Interesting Facts  Bats make 22.09% of mammalian species (6399 species) in the world.  They play important role in ecosystem functioning through pollinating flowers and  

dispersing seeds. Bat droppings, called guano, are one of the richest fertilizers. Bats are the cheapest control mechanism for the pest. They can eat up to 1,200 mosquitoes in an hour and can consume 1/3 of their body weight or hundreds of insects in a day.

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INDIAN FLYING FOX Taxonomic Information Scientific Name English Name Nepali Name

Pteropus giganteus (Brünnich, 1782) Indian Flying Fox Raj Chamero, Badura -/fh rd]/f], ab'/f_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Indian Flying Fox is widely distributed in south Asia (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) and occurs also in adjacent China, Myanmar and Cambodia. It is recorded up to 2,000 m above sea level (Molur et al., 2008).

2011; Acharya, 2015; Katuwal et al., 2019). A roosting colony of 385 individuals has been found at Sukasal area in the western part of Kanchanpur district close to the Shuklaphanta National Park (Acharya, 2015).

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta The distribution of Indian Flying Fox in Shuklaphanta National Park is not well understood; however, it was seen feeding on the ficus fruit and banana in the periphery of the park. Recently 72 individuals were counted flying towards park headquarter and feeding activities were observed in Ashoka Trees (Saraca asoka) at office premises, Majhgaon.

2. National Distribution Hodgson (1835) described Indian Flying Fox (as Pteropus leucocephalus) for the first time from Nepal (in the Central Region). It has been distributed below 1,500m in Terai, Siwaliks and Midhills of Nepal and has been reported from Makalu Barun and Chitwan National Parks, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and Annapurna Conservation area; however the Makalu Burun and Annapurna records are unusual. This species is recorded from Ilam, Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Saptari, Siraha, Dhanusa, Sarlahi, Rautahat, Bara, Parsa, Nawalparasi, Kaski, Palpa, Rupendehi, Kapilvastu and Dang districts, and Kathmandu valley (Suwal & Verheugt, 1995; Baral & Shah, 2008; Jnawali et al.,

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forests. Colonies usually have a permanent roost with one or two temporary roosts that individuals shift to depending on season (Molur et al., 2008). Roosting trees in Nepal include Eucalyptus, sissoo Dalbergia sissoo, mango Mangifera indica, pipal Ficus religiosa, simal (Silk cotton tree) Bombax ceiba, jack fruit Artocarpus sps, poplar Populus sps, silky oak Grevilia robusta and pine trees (Manandhar et al., 2017; Katuwal et al., 2019). It is frugivorous, feeding on a wide variety of different wild and cultivated flowering species including figs, persimmons, guavas, mangoes and bananas (Mahmood et al., 2010); and feeds primarily on a combination of fruit, nectar, and pollen (Fujita & Tuttle, 1991). However, the fruits are chewed to obtain juice and fruit pulp and the seeds are spit out (Gulraiz et al., 2016).

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal Indian Flying Fox constantly grooms itself. They usually fly about half an hour after the sunset and travel 40 to 50 km (up to 150 km) per day around their roosting sites in search of food (Molur et al., 2008; Gulraiz et al., 2016). Sexual maturity occurs at the age of 18 months; they breed yearly, mating occurring from July to October, give birth to a single pup (sometime 2) after the gestation period of 140 to 150 days (Bates & Harrison, 1997; Silbernagel, 2005). The lifespan in the wild  is unknown; an individual in captivity lived 31.4 years (Nowak, 1999 cited in Silbernagel, 2005).

Indian Flying Fox, Photo: Hari Basnet

Morphological Characteristics The Indian Flying Fox is the largest and most conspicuous of all fruit bats in Nepal and one of the largest bats in the world (Mathur et al., 2011; Marimuthu, 1996). It has chestnutbrown head with large black, pointed ears and huge black wings. Face and muzzle are black and hairless. Eyes are large and dark brown while ears are small, rounded and black. Body color dark brown, gray, or black with a contrasting yellowish mantle is typical of the genus Pteropus. Average weight of adults is ~1.5 kg, body length 20-30 cm with a wingspan of more than 1 m (Marimuthu, 1996; Acharya et al., 2010).

Conservation Status and Threats Indian Flying Fox is listed in ‘Least Concern’ category of IUCN Red List; both global and national (Molur et al., 2008; Amin et al., 2018) and Appendix II of CITES. The population of Indian Flying Fox is rapidly declining due to habitat destruction by road expansion for larger highways, construction of new buildings. Moreover, electrocution and hunting have massively reduced their population.

Ecology 1. Habitat and Food Indian Flying Fox is highly sociable forming colonies of hundreds to thousands of individuals. The large colonies are found in rural and urban areas, close to agricultural fields, ponds, by the side of roads and

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GREATER SHORT-NOSED FRUIT BAT Taxonomic Information Scientific Name English Name Nepali Name

Cynopterus sphinx (Vahl, 1797) Greater Short-nosed Fruit Bat Nepte Chamero -g]K6] rd]/f]_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Greater Short-nosed Fruit Bat is widely distributed in much of south Asia, southern China, most of mainland and peninsular southeast Asia. The countries include Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam (Bates et al., 2019). areas, it is recorded from Jhapa, Morang, Sankhuwasabha, Sindhupalchok, Gorkha, Tanahun Kaski, Gulmi, Palpa, Rupandehi, Dang, Kailali (Chisapani) and Kanchanpur districts, and Kathmandu valley (Johnson et. al., 1980; Bates & Harrison, 1997; Acharya et al., 2010; Adhikari, 2010; Chaudhary & Ghimire, 2010; Dahal et al., 2014; SMCRF, 2018; Basnet, 2019).

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta The distribution of Greater Short-nosed Fruit Bat in Shuklaphanta National Park is not well understood; however, a group of 15–16 individuals were observed (5 were mistnetted and measured) roosting in Asoka Tree at Suda (Mandipur village), nearby the national park area, in October 2010 (Chaudhary & Ghimire, 2010).

2. National Distribution Scully (1887) reported Greater Short-nosed Fruit Bat (as Cynopterus marginatus) for the first time from Nepal (in the Kathmandu valley and Nuwakot districts). The species is distributed across Terai, Siwaliks and some parts of Midhills. It has been recorded from Shuklaphanta, Bardia, Chitwan, Makalu Barun and Rara National Parks, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and Annapurna Conservation Area (Suwal & Verheugt, 1995; Jnawali et al., 2011). Outside the protected

Morphological Characteristics Greater Short-nosed Fruit Bat has soft and silky body. They have large ears of coffee brown color. Wings are dark brown marked

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Greater Short-nosed Fruit Bat, Photo: Hari Basnet

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal

by pale fingers. Males have orange coloration on the chin, sides of chest, belly and thighs, whereas, females have a paler grey belly and a tawny-brown collar. A small tail is characteristics of the species. The head and body length of adults is 7.6–11.3 cm, wingspan 31 cm whereas, forearms length is 6.4–7.9 cm (Acharya et al., 2010).

The Greater Short-nosed Fruit Bat is gregarious, and typically roosts in same-sex groups of 3 to 16 individuals (sometimes solitary) (Acharya et al., 2010). It is also known to construct tents by closely interweaving the leaves and twigs. Females reach sexual maturity at 5-6 months, but males are not capable of breeding until they are a year old. They breed twice a year producing a single offspring after a gestation of 120 days (Storz & Kunz, 1999). They can live up to 10 years in captivity (Shefferly, 1999).

Ecology 1. Habitat and Food Greater Short-nosed Fruit Bat is common in tropical forests and areas with abundant fruit trees. They mainly roost in the farmlands, gardens (constructing a tent underside the leaves of banana, palm etc.), forests and sometimes in cave. They are frugivorous, locating their food by scent. They are voracious feeders, eating more food than their body weight in a single sitting. Preferred fruits include guava, banana, dates and litchi (Shefferly, 1999; Bates et al., 2019).

Conservation Status and Threats In IUCN Red List (both national and global) the Greater Short-nosed Fruit Bat is categorized as ‘Least Concern’ (Amin et al., 2018; Bates et al., 2019). This species is under threat due to hunting for traditional medicine purposes (Molur et al., 2002).

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PAINTED BAT Taxonomic Information Scientific Name Synonyms English Name Nepali Name

Kerivoula picta (Pallas, 1767) Vespertilio pictus (Pallas, 1767); Vespertilionis pictum (Pallas, 1774) Painted Bat, Painted Woolly Bat Rangichangi Chamero -/·Lr·L rd]/f]_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Painted Bat has been recorded below 1,500 m elevation in Asia. It is distributed in Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam (Hutson et al., 2008).

2. National Distribution Myers et al. (2000) provided the first locality record of Painted Bat from Nepal (at Tiger Tops, Dhangari Khola, 17-18 March, 1990).

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta Painted Bat was photographed at 3 locations in 3 occasions (October 23 and 24, and December 11) from the western part of the park (Shuklaphanta grassland and forest areas) during the camera trapping survey in 2016 (Poudyal et al., 2019). This was the second locality record of the species from Nepal and the first record from the park.

However, the species was listed as occurring in Bardia and Chitwan National Parks by Suwal & Verheugt (1995) and reported from Pokhara valley by Jnawali et al., (2011) without details of records. It is also recorded from Shuklaphanta National Park (Poudyal et al., 2019)

Morphological Characteristics Painted Bat has unique coloration compared to other bats. The fur is light orange, whereas,

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ears, skins along forearms, fingers, tail membrane and feet are bright orange, and wing membranes have large black patches. It possesses long, woolly, rather curly hair; small, fragile, and large funnel-shaped ears. Ears are naked while muzzle is very hairy. It has head-body length of 4.5–4.8 cm, tail length 3.2–5.5 mm, forearm length 3.1–3.7 cm and body weight 4–6 gm (Ballenger, 1999; Menon, 2014; Funakoshi et al., 2015)

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal Painted Bat roosts in family (adult male, female, and young), or in pair or solitary. It feeds in the late evening and generally fly in circles close to the bushes ground and exhibit fluttering flight. The male and female pair forage separately. The approximate foraging area is 2–14 hectare traveling the distance about 350 m from the day roosting site. They generally have single offspring; no other information is available about the breeding biology of the species. Life span is 4–5 years in the wild (Molur et al., 2002; Funakoshi et al., 2015).

Ecology 1. Habitat and Food Painted Bat is found in dry deciduous forests, banana groves, cultivated fields and dry grasslands. It roosts in tree hollows and trunks, huts and buildings, foliage and dried leaves, and even in sugarcane fields, but the dead banana leaves are more preferable for day-roosts than broad-leaved trees or sugar cane leaves (Ballenger, 1999; Acharya et al., 2010; Funakoshi et al., 2015). It is insectivorous and prefers web building spiders (Funakoshi et al., 2015).

Conservation Status and Threats The Painted Bat is listed in ‘Least Concern’ category of both national and global IUCN Red List (Hutson et al., 2008; Amin et al., 2018). It is locally threatened by human disturbance, habitat loss and degradation.

Painted Bat at ShNP, Photo: ShNP

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GREATER ASIATIC YELLOW HOUSE BAT Taxonomic Information Scientific Name Synonyms

Scotophilus heathii (Horsfield, 1831) Scotophilus heathi (Horsfield, 1831), Nycticejus luteus (Blyth, 1851). Vespertilio belangeri (Geoffroy, 1834)

English Name Nepali Name

Greater Asiatic Yellow House Bat, Greater Asiatic Yellow Bat Thulo Asiyali Pitta Chamero -7'nf] Pl;ofnL lkQ rd]/f]_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Greater Asiatic Yellow House Bat has been recorded up to 1,500 m elevation in Asia. They occur in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam (Srinivasulu & Srinivasulu, 2019).

2. National Distribution Sunsari, Bhojpur, Bara, Parsa, Chitwan, Dang, Banke and Kanchanpur districts (Jnawali et al., 2011; Poudyal et al., 2019).

Agrawal & Chakraborty (1971) first reported the Greater Asiatic Yellow House Bat (as

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta The distribution of Greater Asiatic Yellow House Bat in Shuklaphanta National Park is not well understood; however, the firsttime photographic evidence was obtained from Majhgaon at the park's headquarter (Chief -warden’s residence) on 19 May 2019 at night 22:00 hours (Poudyal et al., 2019). Similarly, 3-4 individual were observed and

Scotophilus heathi heathi) from Nepal which was collected by Richard M. Mitchell from Bhawanipur village, Banke district. Mitchell (1980) had collected five specimens from area of Dang district and Banke district during 1967–1970. This bat occurs in the Terai region including Shuklaphanta, Bardia, Banke and Chitwan National Parks and Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve; and Jhapa, Morang, 36

Poudyal, L.P., Lamichhane, B.R., Baral, H.S., & Basnet, H. (2020). Wild Mammals of the Shuklaphanta National Park. Shuklaphanta National Park Office and Himalayan Nature, Kanchanpur and Kathmandu, Nepal.

Greater Asiatic Yellow House Bat at ShNP, Photo: Yam Bahadur Rawat

single was mist-netted at Suda (Mandipur village), nearby to the national park area, in October 2010 (Chaudhary & Ghimire, 2010).

crevices and cracks in houses, underside of the palm and banana leaves. The diet mainly consists of insects (Srinivasulu & Srinivasulu, 2019).

Morphological Characteristics

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal

Dorsal pelage of Greater Asiatic Yellow House Bat is yellowish brown whereas underside is bright yellow. The throat, chest and belly are pale yellow-buff to white throughout. It has a long tail, and muzzle is dark and broad, blunt, naked and swollen on the sides. It has small ears with pale transverse ridges on them. It has the head and body length 6.7–9.3 cm, wingspan of 32–39cm, forearms 5.5–6.5 cm and body mass 36–39 gram (Menon, 2014; Shahbaz et al., 2014).

Greater Asiatic Yellow House Bat lives in small colonies (sometimes up to 50) or solitary. It emerges late from the roosting site and is a low flyer with a steady speed (Srinivasulu & Srinivasulu, 2019).  One or two offspring are born after the gestation period of 115 days (Bates and Harrison, 1997).

Conservation Status and Threats This bat is listed as ‘Least Concern’ in both national and global IUCN red list (Amin et al., 2018; Srinivasulu & Srinivasulu, 2019). Availability of food, habitat loss, and disturbances of roosting sites are the major threats to this species.

Ecology 1. Habitat and Food Greater Asiatic Yellow House Bat is found in a variety of habitats including old houses, tree hollows, attics, roofs, walls, pillar gaps,

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ORDER: PRIMATES

Primate species in the World

518 (Burgin et al., 2018)

Primate Species in Nepal

5 (Jnawali et al., 2011)

Primate Species in ShNP

2

Terai Gray Langur, Photo: Chungba Sherpa

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Order

Family

PRIMATE

Cercopithecidae

Genus

Species

Macaca

mulatta

Semnopithecus

hector

Characteristics of Primate     

All primates have five fingers (pentadactyly), a generalized dental pattern, and a primitive (unspecialized) body plan. Primates have comparatively large brains in relative to body. Primates have particularly flexible and limber shoulders and hip joints. Primates have flat nails while other mammals have claws or hooves on their digits. All primates exhibit the tendency to be erect; even in quadrupedal primates also occasionally stand or walk on hind legs like humans.

Interesting Facts  The largest living primate is the eastern lowland gorilla (more than 250 kilograms) while    



the smallest living primate is the Berthe's mouse lemur (weight is around 30 g) Primates develop at a slower rate than other mammals. Orangutans have the longest childhood of any wild animal in the world. Babies are nursed until they are 6 years old. The Orangutan is the largest fruit-eating animal in the world and it rarely comes on the ground. Monkeys that live in central and south America are called "New World Monkeys." Monkeys that live in Africa and Asia are called "Old World Monkeys". New World Monkeys are exclusively arboreal than Old World Monkeys. New World Monkeys possess prehensile tails, meaning they can use their tails to grasp or hold on to objects. Their tails can aid these monkeys in finding and eating food in the canopy as well as moving amongst the trees, as their tails provide extra support and balance. Old World Monkeys all have tails, but they lack the ability to grasp objects. Sometimes monkey yawn when they are tired, but also yawn when they are mad.

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RHESUS MONKEY Taxonomic Information Macaca mulatta (Zimmermann, 1780) Rhesus Macaque, Rhesus Monkey Rato Bandar -/ftf] af“b/_ Bandar, Lakhu -af“b/, aGb/, nfv'_

Scientific Name English Name Nepali Name Local Name

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Rhesus Monkey is recorded below 4,000 m in south and southeast Asia; Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand, and Vietnam; and is also introduced in Hong Kong and the United States (Timmins et al., 2008).

2. National Distribution Hodgson (1840) was the first to record Rhesus Monkey (as Macacus oinops) from

throughout Shuklaphanta National Park. A troop of 35-40 individuals is frequently seen around the park's headquarter. It was also photographed from 28 locations (113 independent detections) in the park during camera trapping survey in 2018 with detection rate 7.04 per 100 camera trap days (Poudyal et al., 2019).

Morphological Characteristics The face and buttocks of adults are red. They have grizzled-brown fur dorsally and slightly lighter ventrally. The hair is short on the head

Nepal (in Terai and lower hills). This species is distributed widely across Nepal up to 2,440m (Baral & Shah, 2008). It is distributed in almost all the protected areas (Jnawali et al., 2011). It also occurs extensively in forests outside protected areas as well as agriculture and settlements.

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta Rhesus

Monkey

is

commonly

sighted

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They are diurnal and; spend considerable time arboreally. Their diet is omnivorous, feeding on fruits, seeds, flowers, leaves, buds, shoots, twigs, stems, roots, bark, pith and resin of angiosperms, gymnosperms and fungi. They also eat small animals, termites, beetles, ants etc. However, monkeys living in the city areas are highly dependent on humans for food.

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal Rhesus Monkeys generally live in groups. Females become sexually mature at the age of 2.5–4 years, and males at 4–7 years (Wilson et al., 1984; Nowak, 1999; Seinfeld, 2000). Mating occurs throughout the year. After gestation of 5.5 months, females give birth to a single baby (Silk et al., 1993). Parental care and weaning occur for one year and primarily mothers provide the muchneeded care. They live up to 30 years in the wild and maximum reported lifespan is 40 years in captivity (Mattison et al., 2012) Young macaques typically cling to their mother's ventral for the first few weeks of life. As their ability to keep themselves upright improves; they ride upon the mother's back. Rhesus Monkey and Terai Gray Langur are sympatric primates in Shuklaphanta National Park. Rhesus Monkeys generally avoid the interaction with Langurs but sometimes, fight for using the common resources.

Rhesus Monkey, Photo: Hari Basnet

(Seinfeld, 2000). Body length of adult males varies between 48 and 63 cm; tail length is 20 to 30 cm and average wight 7–9 kg. Females are relatively smaller than males (Menon, 2014).

Conservation Status and Threats In IUCN Red List, the Rhesus Monkey is listed as 'Least Concern' both globally and nationally (Timmins et al., 2008; Amin et al., 2018) and included in Appendix II of CITES. It is widely distributed in Nepal and one of the major species causing crop damage. Capture and release of problem monkeys from rural and urban areas into natural forests is threat to the species as well as the local communities. As the original forest habitat is lost or fragmented, monkeys are adapting with human habitations and development areas. Retaliation killing of monkey and road kills are threat.

Ecology 1. Habitat and Food Rhesus Monkey is highly adaptive to wide range of habitats. They live in the forests, fringe of the agricultural lands and roadsides. Some populations can be found living in the densely populated urban areas and religious places such as Pashupati and Swayambhu in Kathmandu (Chalise, 2004).

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TERAI GRAY LANGUR Taxonomic Information Scientific Name Synonym English Name Nepali Name Local Name

Semnopithecus hector (Pocock, 1928) Semnopithecus entellus hector (Pocock, 1928) Terai Gray Langur, Hanuman Langur Tarai Langur, Hanuman Langur -t/fO{ nª\u'/, xg'dfg nª\u'/_ Langure Bandar, Guna, Dhedu Bandar -nª\u'/] af“b/, u'gf, 9Ã8' af“b/_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Terai Gray Langur is Native to Bhutan, India and Nepal distributed up to 1,600m altitude (Molur & Chhangani, 2008).

2. National Distribution Hodgson (1840) was the first to record Hanuman Langur (as Semnopithecus schistaceus hodie) from Nepal (in Terai forests and lower hills). Terai Gray Langur occurs across Nepal below 1,500 m but

20 individuals is frequently seen around the park's headquarter. During camera trapping survey in 2018, it was also photographed from 18 locations (18 independent detections) in the park with detection rate 1.12 per 100 camera trap days (Poudyal et al., 2019).

Morphological Characteristics Terai Gray Langur has silver-gray fur. Their feet, hands, face, and ears are black, and

their distribution is more restricted than the Rhesus Monkey. Langur recorded from higher altitudes in Nepal is considered a different species (Nepal Grey Langur, Semnopithecus schistaceus) (Jnawali et al., 2011).

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta Terai Gray Langur is distributed across Shuklaphanta National Park. A troop with 15-

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their face is framed with white fur. The tail is usually longer than the body, with a white tip. Males are slightly larger than females. The body length (head to tail) is around 140170 cm. Males weigh about 10–11 kg and females 9–10 kg (Menon, 2014).

composed of leaves, fruits, flowers, grains, nuts, lichens, insects, and other foods such as bark and gum; They also consume human food if available (Gron, 2008).

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal The langurs live in multi-male and multifemale groups ranging from 2 to >20 members; up to 100 can be observed in a group (Molur et al., 2003; Gron, 2008). They are diurnal species. During summer they are more active in the morning and evening, whereas in the winter they are more active during midday. Langurs and Spotted Deer Axis axis have a mutual relationship each warning other of the presence of predators. Both species benefit from each other’s alarm call to avoid predators or any danger. The deer eat leaves and fruits and often dropped off unfinished by langurs from the tree.

Ecology 1. Habitat and Food The Terai Gray Langur occurs in riverine and sal forests (Jnawali et al., 2011); and also known to live in close proximity to human habitations. They are mostly arboreal but also spend time in ground while traveling between the places. They sleep on trees; the dominant male sleeps at the highest position and females with their offspring sleep directly below the dominant male. Younger females and young males sleep at the lowest position (Semke, 2011).

Females become sexually mature at around 3 years, and males at 5 years (Winkler et al., 1984;  Semke, 2011). Male dominance is usually determined through fighting and winner gets opportunity to copulate with females. Unpaired males also make bachelor groups. Mating may occur throughout the year, however, mostly in monsoon season. The gestation period is approximately 200 days (estimated 171-224 days). Generally, they give birth a single infant, rarely twins. Parental care and weaning occur 1-2 years. Mother provides the majority of parental care for the young (Winkler et al., 1984; Newton, 1987;  Sommer et al.,1992; Borries et al., 2001).  Their lifespan in the wild is 18–30 years (Gron, 2008). Lifespan of an individual in captivity was 24 years (Hakeem et al., 1996).

The langurs are primarily herbivores; mainly folivorous (Molur et al., 2003). Their diet is

Conservation Status and Threats Terai Grey Langur is 'Near Threatened' in IUCN Red List globally and 'Least Concern' nationally (Molur & Chhangani, 2008; Amin et al., 2018). In CITES, it is included in Appendix I. The main threats for langurs are habitat fragmentation and loss result a very patchy distribution.

Terai Gray Langur, Photo: Sagar Giri

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ORDER: CARNIVORA

Carnivore species in the World

305 (Burgin et al., 2018)

Carnivore Species in Nepal

47 (Amin et al., 2018)

Carnivore Species in ShNP

22

Fishing Cat, Photo: Sanjay Tha Shrestha

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Order

Family

Genus

Species

Viverra

zibetha

Viverricula

indica

Paguma

larvata

Paradoxurus

hermaphroditus

Viverridae

auropunctatus edwardsii

Herpestes

Herpestidae

urva smithii

Hyaenidae

Striped

hyaena

Ursidae

Melursus

urisinus

Lutrogale

pespicillata

Martes

flavigula

Mellivora

capensis

Canis

aureus

Cuon

alpinus

Vulpes

bengalensis

Felis

chaus

CARNIVORA Mustelidae

Canidae

tigris

Panthera

Felidae

pardus bengalensis

Prionailurus

viverrinus

rubiginosus

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Characteristics of Carnivora 

  

Carnivorous mammals share common features of well-developed canines, premolars and molars (more suited for cutting then grinding) with cutting edges and well-developed incisors. All teeth are rooted and diphyodont. A simple stomach “consisting of a single dilation of the alimentary canal”. They have well developed feet and four or more toes, sharp and strong claws.

Facts about Carnivores  Not all carnivores are exclusive meat eaters. The bulk of the Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens)   

 

diet comes from plants. Carnivores can only move their jaws up and down. Carnivores are the world's most efficient predators. The largest carnivore is the Southern Elephant Seal (Mirounga leonina). Bulls of this species – the largest pinnipeds – have an average length of 5 m (16 ft 4 in) and weigh up to 3,500 kg (7,720 lb). The largest terrestrial carnivore is the Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus). Adult males typically weigh 400–600 kg. Little Weasel (Mustela nivalis) is the smallest member of the Carnivora order weighing as low as 25g.

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Smooth coated Otter at Chaudhar River of ShNP, Photo: Vikram Tiwari

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GOLDEN JACKAL Taxonomic Information Scientific Name English Name Nepali Name

Canis aureus (Linnaeus, 1758) Golden Jackal, Asiatic Golden Jackal, Jackal Syal -:ofn_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution The Golden Jackal occurs in north and east Africa, southeastern Europe, south Asia and southeast Asia (Hoffmann et al., 2018).

2. National Distribution Golden Jackal is one of the most widely distributed carnivores across Nepal. It was reported by Hodgson in 1833 for the first time independent detections) in Shuklaphanta with detection rate 7.79 per 100 camera trap days (Poudyal et al., 2019). Mitchell (1977) had collected specimen from Kanchanpur district.

Morphological Characteristics The Golden Jackal has yellow to grey-brown coat fading into sandy colored legs, white around the eyes, lips and the throat. The color can vary with season and region. The fur is generally coarse and not very long. They have bushy tail and large ears. The body length is 70 to 85 cm, with a tail length of about 25 cm. Its shoulder height is approximately 40 cm.

from Nepal in a scientific literature (Katuwal & Dahal, 2013). They are well-known for their adaptation with the humans. They occur in all protected areas of the lowlands and high hills up to the elevation of 4,000 meters and found in almost all districts of Nepal (Baral & Shah, 2008; Jnawali et al., 2011).

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta Golden Jackals are distributed across forests of Shuklaphanta National Park, buffer zone forests and adjoining corridor forests. During camera trapping survey in 2018, it was photographed from 31 locations (125

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Their average weight ranges 8– 10 kg (Ivory, 1999).

larger food items. Hunting families hold territories of 2–3 km2 (Ivory, 1999).

Ecology

Golden Jackals are monogamous and live as mated pairs. In most jackal families, there are one or two adult members called "helpers." Helpers are jackals who stay with the parents for a year after reaching sexual maturity, without breeding, to help take care of the next litter. They give birth of 1–9 (average 5) pups in a litter after gestation of 60–63 days. The cubs mature in a year. Lifespan of Golden Jackal in captivity is up to 16 years (Ivory, 1999)

1. Habitat and Food The Golden Jackal occurs in a wide variety of habitats but prefers dry and open areas with short grassland and steppe landscapes. Golden Jackal is an omnivore consuming 54% animal food and 46% of plant food (Ivory, 1999). It is opportunistic feeder with a very varied diet, which consists of young ungulates, rodents (especially during winter), hares, ground birds and their eggs, reptiles, frogs, fish, insects and fruits. Although they are often regarded as scavengers, they are skilled hunters. (Ivory, 1999).

Conservation Status and Threats Golden Jackals is listed as ‘Least Concern’ in global and national IUCN Red List (Hoffmann et al., 2018; Amin et al., 2018) and included in the CITES Appendix III (India). Although jackals are very adaptive to humans, the potential threats are persecution, poaching for medicinal purpose (Superstition among the people to cure arthritis by consuming the alcohol produced by mixing meat of Golden Jackal), damage to dens, reduction of natural prey base, rabies and canine diseases including canine distemper.

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal Golden Jackals mostly live in pairs. The activity of a pair is synchronized. Cooperative hunting is important to the jackals. Pairs are three times more likely to be successful than individuals in hunting. They are also seen to be living as a close family group. Members of the same family also cooperate in sharing

Golden Jackal, Photo: Babu Ram Lamichhane

Golden Jackal, Photo: Narayan Rijal

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WILD DOG Taxonomic Information Scientific Name Synonyms English Name Nepali Name

Cuon alpinus (Pallas, 1811) Canis alpinus (Pallas, 1811) Dhole, Wild Dog Dhole, Ban Kukur -9f]n], jg s's'/_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution The Dhole is native to south and southeast Asia extant in following counties: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal and Thailand. They are recorded up to the altitude of 5,300 meters (Kamler et al., 2015).

2. National Distribution Hodgson (1833) described the Dhole (as Canis primaevus) new to the science from Nepal. It is recorded from Terai to high mountains up to 3,759 m (Khatiwada et al., 2011). Their presence is confirmed through photographic evidence from Parsa, Chitwan, Banke, Bardia and Makalu Barun National Parks; Kanchanjunga and Api Nampa Conservation Areas; and Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve (Khatiwada et al., 2011; Thapa et al., 2013; Yadav et al., 2019). They are reported from Shuklaphanta, Langtang, Rara and Khaptad National Parks (Yadav et al., 2019).

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta Despite the reports of Dhole from Shuklaphanta, their distribution is not well understood.

Morphological Characteristics Dhole has brownish grey to reddish brown fur with pale underside with black and bushy tail. Their ears are relatively rounded than other canid species. They have distinctly thick muzzle than other canids. Their body length (head to tail) can reach up to 130 cm with the average shoulder height of 50 cm, weighing 17 to 21 kg (Chacon, 2000).

Ecology 1. Habitat and Food The Dhole is a habitat generalist, and can occur in a wide variety of vegetation types. Generally, they prefer open spaces in forests like jungle clearings and forest steppes (Kamler et al., 2015).

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Dholes have wide variety of diet from berries, insects, lizards, and mammals ranging in size from a rodent to a deer (Cohen et al., 1978). Dholes have a rather primitive killing method when they hunt larger preys like deer and Wild Boar. They often chase their prey over a long distance and catch them by exhausting them. They start eating while the prey is still alive (Chacon, 2000).

regurgitated meat. After the pups are able to feed on meat, the members of the pack take on a rotational duty for guarding the den full of pups. The pups become sexually mature at an average age of one year. They live up to 16 years in captivity (Nowak, 1999).

Conservation Status and Threats

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal

Dhole is listed as ‘Endangered’ both in global and national IUCN Red List (Kalmer et al., 2015; Amin et al., 2018) and included in the CITES Appendix II. Threats to Dhole include depletion of natural prey base, habitat loss caused by human activities, direct and indirect persecution. Other threats are competition with other large carnivores such as Tigers and Leopards. Disease particularly those transmitted by feral and/or domestic dogs (including mange, canine distemper, parvovirus and rabies) are also emerging as threats to Dhole (Durbin et al., 2004)

Dholes prefer to live in a pack of several (up to 20) individuals (Chacon, 2000). The pack is led by a pair of alpha male and female. They hunt together in a pack but also hunt smaller preys individually or by dividing into small groups (Chacon, 2000). Home range of the Dhole pack ranges 65–200 km2. The alpha pair are the only breeding pair in the pack while the other members support the pair in raising and protecting the pups. Females give birth to up to 7 pups per litter after a gestation period of 60–62 days (Johnsingh, 1982; Paulraj et al., 1992). In order to feed such large litters, the females have eight pairs of mammae. The breeding female rear the pups with her milk while the other pack members support her by feeding her with

Wild Dog, Photo: Bijoy Venugopal

Wild Dog, Photo: Tika Giri

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Poudyal, L.P., Lamichhane, B.R., Baral, H.S., & Basnet, H. (2020). Wild Mammals of the Shuklaphanta National Park. Shuklaphanta National Park Office and Himalayan Nature, Kanchanpur and Kathmandu, Nepal.

BENGAL FOX Taxonomic Information Scientific Name Common Name Nepali Name Local Name

Vulpes bengalensis (Shaw, 1800) Bengal Fox, Indian Fox Phyauro -‹ofp/f]_ Silsile in eastern lowland, or even Khirkhire in eastern Nepal (Sunsari)

Distribution 1. Global Distribution The Bengal Fox is native to Indian subcontinent, occurring in Pakistan, India, Nepal and Bangladesh (Jhala, 2016).

2. National Distribution Gray (1846), Hinton and Fry (1923), Chesemore (1970) and Mitchell (1977) reported the species from different places of Nepal. However, the conclusive evidence of

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta Bengal Fox is distributed primarily in eastern part of Shuklaphanta National Park. During camera trapping survey in 2018, it was photographed from 11 locations (25 independent detections) in Shuklaphanta with detection rate 1.56 per 100 camera trap days (Poudyal et al., 2019). Mitchell (1977) had collected specimen from Kanchanpur district.

Bengal Fox in Nepal was reported by Johnson et al., (1980). Bengal Fox is widely distributed in Terai region and recorded upto 2,700 m elevation in midhills. They are often found close to the human settlements and recorded from Shuklaphanta, Bardia, Banke, Chitwan and Parsa National Parks, Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and Annapurna Conservation Area (Suwal & Verheugt, 1995; Jnawali et al., 2011; BaNP/ NTNC-BCP, 2019).

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semi-desert and arid environments. They can also be found in agricultural fields. Bengal Fox inhabit burrows built approximately 2–3 feet below ground surface. These burrows have several openings converging towards the center of burrow area. Many of these openings are blind while others lead towards a large, central breeding space (Johnsingh, 1978).

Morphological Characteristics Bengal Fox can be identified with their grey appearance, black tipped tail, legs browner than the body, brown ears with a black fringe, small black patches on the muzzle and black marks around eye. The most prominent feature of Bengal Fox is a large bushy tail accounting for up to 60% of their body length and possessing a distinct black tip (Gompper & Vanak, 2006; Meadors, 2007). During normal movement, the tail is left trailing but carried horizontally when running. Their body weight ranges 1.8–3.2 kg and head to tail length is 70 to 95 cm (Baral & Shah, 2008).

Bengal Fox is an omnivorous, opportunistic feeder with diet of insects, birds and their eggs, small rodents, reptiles, and fruits (Meadors, 2007).

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal Bengal Foxes live as a couple but prefer to hunt alone. Like Golden Jackals, these foxes become active at daytime or show nocturnal behavior according to the degree of human disturbance. They do not usually have a pack except in some occasions when grown pups stay in their natal area and the adults share the same den. The males are often heard during night but more commonly around dusk and dawn.

Ecology 1. Habitat and Food Bengal Fox generally prefers non-forested regions such as open grassland, thorny scrub,

Bengal Fox is believed to be monogamous based on information currently available. During the breeding season (Dec–Jan), males vocalize intensely during the night and at dusk and dawn (Johnsingh, 1978). Birth of 2–6 pups (Average 3) occurs from January to March after gestation of 50–53 days. The pups reach sexual maturity at the age of 1–2 years. They live 8–10 years in captivity (Johnsingh & Jhala, 2004; Meadors, 2007).

Conservation Status and Threats Bengal Fox is listed in IUCN Red List as ‘Least Concern’ globally and ‘Vulnerable’ nationally (Jhala 2016, Amin et al., 2018); and included in the CITES Appendix III (India). Although it is very adaptive to humans, the potential threats are persecution as a pest species (retaliatory killing in response to lifting goat kids or poultry) and poaching. Bengal Fox, Photo: Narayan Rijal

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SLOTH BEAR Taxonomic Information Scientific Name Synonyms English Name Nepali Name

Melursus ursinus (Shaw, 1791) M. ursinus ursinus (Fain et al., 1994), Bradypus ursinus (Shaw, 1791) Sloth Bear Kathe Bhalu -sf7] efn'_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Sloth Bear is extant in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. It has been extirpated from Bangladesh and its existence in Bhutan is uncertain. Approximately 90% of their range occurs in India. They have been recorded from sea level to 2,000 meters (Dharaiya et al., 2020).

2. National Distribution Sloth Bear was recorded by Hodgson (Gray, 1963) from Nepal. It is distributed in Terai

2. Distribution in Shuklaphanta Sloth Bears were believed to be extirpated from the Shuklaphanta National Park since 1980s. A survey in western Nepal during 1997/98 failed to record Sloth Bear from Shuklaphata (Garshelis et al., 1999). However, during a 2013 Tiger camera trap study a Sloth Bear was photographed. Sloth Bear tracks and scat were also recorded from Shuklaphanta in 2014 (Yadav et al., 2016; Poudyal et al., 2019). It is not sure whether Sloth Bears persisted in such small numbers

and Siwaliks of Nepal from east to west. Their populations are mostly confined inside the protected areas (Parsa, Chitwan, Bardia and Shuklaphanta) (Servheen et al., 1999; Jnawali et al., 2011; Yadav et al., 2016; Yadav et al., 2017). Recently Sloth Bears were recorded also from Sindhuli during faunal biodiversity assessment conducted by National Trust for Nature Conservation across Churia/Shiwalik region (NTNC unpublished data).

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that they went undetected for several years (Johnsingh, 2003) or they recolonized from adjacent forests in Nepal (Kailali where sloth bears are recorded) and India (Dudhwa and Piliphit Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh, which have Sloth Bears) (Sathyakumar et al., 2012).

They are primarily a lowland species. Significant global populations of Sloth Bears are confined to India; in Nepal, and Sri Lanka the species is limited to habitats below 1,500 m, although in the forests of India, the species is known to occur as high as 2,000 m (Dhariyan et al., 2020).

Morphological Characteristics

Sloth Bear has omnivorous diet with a large part from ants and termites (Joshi, 1996). The other food items of this species are honey, berries, roots, carrion, insects and fruits (Jnawali et al., 2011).

The body of Sloth Bear is covered by a long black shaggy fur and have a light "U" or "Y" shaped patch on their chests. The color of these markings varies from white to yellow. They have a long flexible grey snout, creamcolored ring around eyes. Adults measure 60 to 90 cm at the shoulder and head to tail length ranges 150-200 cm (Bies, 2002). Female Sloth Bear can weigh between 55 and 95 kg. Males are 30 to 40% heavier than females and can weigh between 80 and 140 kg. However, a 192 kg male and a 124 kg female have been reported (Brander, 1982).

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal Sloth Bear lives solitary, except in the breeding season when males gather near females in heat. They are mainly nocturnal. Their sense of smell is well developed but their sight and hearing are poor. Sloth bears are generally not aggressive, but their poor eyesight and hearing allows humans to draw near, and when feeling threatened, defend themselves. Although they live in the tropics, they have long, dark, shaggy coats suggesting they may be susceptible to cold stress. They are excellent climbers, but do not climb trees to escape danger.

Ecology 1. Habitat and Food Sloth Bear occur in a wide variety of habitats ranging from grasslands, savannahs, scrublands, wet and dry tropical forests.

Sloth Bear, Photo: Utsab Jung Thapa

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Sloth Bear, Photo: Chungba Sherpa

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Sloth Bear mate during May and July. The gestation period lasts approximately 6–7 months and average litter size is two. The cubs mature at the age of 3 years. They live up to 40 years in captivity (Brander, 1982; Garshelis et al., 1999; Bies, 2002).

national Red List category (Amin et al., 2018; Dharaiya el al., 2020); and included in the CITES Appendix I. Like any other large mammals, Sloth Bear is threatened primarily by habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation. Poaching for gall bladder is a serious threat for their survival. Retaliatory killing in response to crop raiding and attacks to humans are other threats (Amin et al., 2018).

Conservation Status and Threats Sloth Bear is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ in IUCN global Red List and ‘Endangered’ in

Sloth Bear, Photo: Sagar Giri

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SMOOTH-COATED OTTER Taxonomic Information Scientific Name Synonyms

Lutrogale perspicillata (I. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1826) Lutra perspicillata (I. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1826) L. p. sindica (de Silva et al., 2015).

English Name Nepali Name

Smooth-coated Otter

Khairo Ont, Pani Ont -v}/f] cfÃt, kfgL cfÃt_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Smooth-coated Otter is distributed throughout south and southeast Asia. Its presence has been confirmed from Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, southwest China, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia (Penisular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak), Indonesia (Kalimantan, Sumatra, Java) and Brunei. Isolated subpopulation in Iraq was reported in the past but its current status is unknown (de Silva et al., 2015).

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta

2. National Distribution

Smooth-coated Otter is recorded from southern part of Shuklaphanta National Park during camera trapping survey in 2014/15 (Poudyal et al., 2019). Recently, a park staff Kaviraj Bohora photographed a group near Darakghat at Chaudhar River, a visitor Friedrich Esser photographed the species from Ranital in March 2020 and a student Pramila Thapa photographed an individual at Radhapur area (Kaviraj Bohara, Friedrich Esser and Pramila

Hodgson (1839) reported the Smooth-coated Otter (as Lutra tarayensis) from Nepal. They were believed to be distributed across Nepal’s Terai but recent observations are rare and are limited to Chitwan, Bardia and Shuklaphanta National Parks, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and Kailali district (Jnawali et al., 2011).

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Thapa personal communication to Laxman Prasad Paudyal 2020)

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal Smooth-coated Otters live and hunt in groups, driving schools of fish together for easy capture with feeding territory of 7 to 12 km2 (Mason and Macdonald, 1986; Kruuk, 1995).

Morphological Characteristics Smooth-coated Otter is the largest otter in southeast Asia with adult body mass 7–11 kg and body length head to tail 95130 cm (Kruuk, 1995; Menon, 2014). It is distinguished from other otters by its rounder heads, prominent naked noses, and flattened tails. It appears relatively shiny with shorter, smoother and tightly packed fur. The fur is light to dark brown dorsally, almost grey ventrally. They have webbed feet and strong dexterous paws that are armed with sharp claws.

Smooth-coated Otters form strong monogamous pairs, where males are larger but females dominate the pair. They breed between August and December and give birth of 2–5 offspring after gestation of 60– 65 days (White, 2004). The cubs disperse at about 1 year of age (Hussain, 1996). Sexual maturity is reached at 2 years. Their lifespan is 4–10 years in the wild; however, the oldest known Smooth-coated Otter in captivity died at 20.4 years (White, 2004).

Ecology

Conservation Status and Threats

1. Habitat and Food Smooth-coated Otter occurs mostly in lowlands, swampy forests, freshwater wetlands, large forested rivers, lakes, and rice fields. Although adapted for water, Smoothcoated Otters are equally comfortable on land and can travel long distances overland in search of suitable habitat.

Smooth-coated Otter is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ in IUCN global Red List, ‘Endangered’ in national Red List and included in the CITES Appendix II (de Silva et al., 2015; Amin et al., 2018). Major threats of the otters are habitat loss and degradation (due to pollution/ pesticides or over-exploitation). Other threats are prey depletion due to overfishing, accidental mortality due to entanglement in fishing nets, poaching for fur and illegal trade, persecution as a pest species in aquaculture.

Smooth-coated Otters are omnivorous. Fishes make up 75 to 100% of the diet (de Silva et al., 2015). The other components of diet are insects, earthworms, crustaceans, frogs, water rats, turtles and birds.

Smooth-coated Otter at ShNP, Photo: Friedrich Esser

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YELLOW-THROATED MARTEN Taxonomic Information Scientific Name Synonyms

Martes flavigula (Boddaert, 1785), sub-species M. f. flavigula Lamprogale flavigula (Boddaert, 1785); Charronia flavigula (Boddaert, 1785)

English Name Nepali Name Local Name

Yellow-throated Marten Malsapro -dn;f“k|f]_ Kukhauri, Maukhane -s'vf}/L, dfpvfg]_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Yellow-throated Marten is widely distributed up to 4,510 m in central, south and southeast Asia including Nepal (Chutipong et al., 2016).

2. National Distribution Yellow-throated Marten was reported by Hodgson (1834) for the first time from Nepal. It occurs up to 3,254 m across Nepal (Jnawali et al., 2011). This species is considered fairly common and the population is stable in most areas.

Morphological Characteristics Yellow-throated Marten has black head with whitish chin, bright yellow throat and chest. Its body has brownish on the back which gets to paler yellow on the underside. The forelimbs get darker from the elbow with black feet whereas the hind limbs are whole black and have long black bushy tail. They have small rounded ears. Their body weight ranges 1.2–5.7 kg with the total body length

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta Yellow-throated Marten is recorded in northern part of the Shuklaphanta National Park. It was photographed from adjoining forests of Shuklaphnata, in Brahmadev and Laljhadi corridors in camera trap survey of 2013–18 (Poudyal et al., 2019).

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of 50–70 cm and tail length 35–45cm (Shak, 2012).

also observed together in a group of 2–3 individuals. They are terrestrial, despite their excellent climbing skills.

Ecology

Their breeding period is either February to March or June to August. They give birth to a litter up to 5 kittens after a gestation of 220-290 days (Chutipong et al., 2016). The kittens are most likely raised by the mother and become independent at the age of 3–4 months. They live up to 16 years in captivity (Weigl, 2005).

1. Habitat and Food Yellow-throated Marten occur in a wide variety of habitats including mixed forest of spruce and broad-leaved trees, coniferous forest, lowland swamps and marshes, and even bare mountains (Jnawali et al., 2011) They are omnivorous and when in a group, they can hunt down preys up to the size of a Musk Deer (Moschus sps). They preferably rely on small mammals, birds, eggs, insects, amphibians, and reptiles (Zhou et al., 2011). In Chitwan, they were photographed carrying a Small Indian Civet, probably as a prey (Lamichhane et al., 2014).

Conservation Status and Threats It is listed as ‘Least Concern’ in globally and nationally in IUCN Red List (Chutipong et al., 2016; Amin et al., 2018); and included in the CITES Appendix III (India). Although Yellowthroated Marten is adaptive to humans, the potential threats are habitat destruction, persecution, retaliatory killings, competition with other predators, infectious diseases from domestic animals.

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal Yellow-throated Martens are mostly diurnal but occasionally observed to be active at night. They are primarily solitary but are

Yellow-throated Marten, Photos: Utsab Jung Thapa

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HONEY BADGER Taxonomic Information Scientific Name Synonyms English Name Nepali Name

Mellivora capensis (Schreber, 1776) Viverra capensis (Schreber, 1776) Honey Badger, Ratel Ratel -/t]n_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Honey Badger is widely distributed up to 4,000m in Asia and Africa (Do Linh San et al., 2016).

2. National Distribution Hodgson (1836) recorded the Honey Badger from Makwanpur, in the foothills of southern Nepal. This species occurs in the Terai region including Banke, Bardia, Chitwan, Parsa and Shuklaphanta National Parks, and Kailali,

1.68 per 100 camera trap days (Poudyal et al., 2019).

Morphological Characteristics This species has black colored fur in the lower half of the body and face while their upper half of the body and head is grey or white. Their tail is short and stubby. They have small rounded ears. Their forelimbs are bulky and powerful, laced with large claws. Their total body (tail to head) length varies from 75 to 102 cm with weight ranging 7–13

Makawanpur, and Dang districts (Suwal & Verheugt, 1995; Jnawali et al., 2011; BaNP/ NTNC-BCP, 2019; Khanal & Baniya, 2019).

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta Honey Badger is distributed across Shuklaphanta National Park. During camera trapping survey in 2018, it was photographed from 12 locations (27 independent detections) in the park with detection rate

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kg (Menon, 2014). Males are significantly larger than females (Begg et al., 2003).

aggressive animals defending themselves, their mates and their burrows with absolute ferocity.

Ecology

Honey Badgers mate throughout the year generally favoring hot dry seasons. Females give birth in a burrow to a litter of 1–2 pups after a gestation period of 50–70 days (Begg, 2001). The young badgers remain in the burrows for the whole weaning period (up to 3 months). They are raised by their mother and they remain with her for 1–2 years. Females reach sexual maturity at an average age of 12–16 months while males take 2–3 years. They have lifespan of 7–8 years in the wild while in captivity they can live up to 26 years (Begg, 2001, Hoffman, 2014).

1. Habitat and Food Honey Badgers are terrestrial mammal found in variety of habitats including tropical/subtropical forest, thorny forest, open forest, grassland, arid steppes, rocky hills, and desert; and live in burrows of their own or of some other animal, rock crevices or by the shelter provided by tree roots or among thick bushes (Gupta et al., 2012; Hoffman, 2014). They are primarily carnivorous feeding on birds, eggs, rodents, reptiles (including venomous like cobras and vipers), amphibians, and small mammals but occasionally eat fruits, berries, roots and tubers. It also consumes honey and bee larvae (thus named 'honey' badger) (Kruuk & Mills, 1983; Begg et al., 2003).

Conservation Status and Threats Honey Badger is listed as ‘Least Concern’ in IUCN global Red List and ‘Endangered’ in national Red List (Do Linh San et al., 2016; Amin et al., 2018); and included in the CITES Appendix III (Botswana). Potential threats of this species in Nepal are habitat loss due to human settlements, conversion of land for agriculture and livestock grazing, persecution as a pest species, accidental mortality in traps laid for other species.

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal Honey Badger lives solitary without strict territory. However, the dominant male can have a large home range (based on a study in Kalahari, Africa 448–634 km2) overlapping with as many as 13 females (Begg et al., 2005). Female home range is smaller (average 126 km2). They travel large distances to forage. They are notoriously

Honey Badger at ShNP, Photo: ShNP

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MASKED PALM CIVET Taxonomic Information Scientific Name Synonyms English Name Nepali Name

Paguma larvata (C.E.H. Smith, 1827) Gulo larvatus (C.E.H. Smith, 1827) Masked Palm Civet, Gem-faced Civet, Himalayan Palm Civet Gajale Nirbiralo, Danda Ont, Bharse -ufhn] gL/la/fnf], 8f“8f cfÃt, ef;]{_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution The Masked Palm Civet is the most widespread of all civets. It occurs up to 2,700 m from Pakistan, India and Nepal to Indochina and the Malay Peninsula, Laos, Sumatra, Borneo, Taiwan, much of eastern and southern China (Duckworth et al., 2016).

2. National Distribution The Masked Palm Civet was first reported scientifically from Nepal by Hodgson (1836) as Paradoxurus nipalensis. It has a wide distribution occurring across Nepal below 2,200 m (Jnawali et al., 2011).

Morphological Characteristics The Masked Palm Civet has plain grey fur with some orange, buff, and/or yellowish tinge. The feet are darker shade with five retractable claws. They have a very long tail (almost half of total body length) that is darker towards the tip. They have a median white stripe that runs from the head to the nose with white marks above each eye extending to the base of each ear and white marks directly below each eye (thus named 'masked'). Their body length ranges from 41–

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta The Masked Palm Civet is distributed in northern part of Shuklaphanta National Park. During camera trapping survey in 2018, it was photographed from a single location with 2 detections with detection rate 0.12 per 100 camera trap days (Poudyal et al., 2019).

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76 cm and tail length 50–63 cm. Their body mass is 3.6–5 kg (Menon, 2014).

Lundrigan & Baker, 2003). They can have an average home range between 1.5-2.3 km2. They travel up to 15-kilometer distance in a 24-hour period (Zhou et al., 2014).

Ecology

They breed twice a year usually during early spring and late autumn. Litter size ranges from 1–4 offspring with usually equal sex ratio after gestation of about 2 months (Torii & Miyake, 1986; Tei et al., 2011). Their lifespan is about 10 years in the wild, however one has lived up to 20 years in captivity (Nowak, 1999).

1. Habitat and Food This civet occurs in a variety of forests. They live in deciduous, evergreen, and mixed deciduous forests, as well as mountainous regions. They are also frequently found around human settlements (Lundrigan & Baker, 2003; Jnawali et al., 2011). This civet is primarily frugivorous however it also feeds on leaves and other plant items insects, fish, reptiles, birds, eggs, and small rodents (Torii, 1986; Nowak, 1999).

Conservation Status and Threats Masked Palm Civet is listed as ‘Least Concern’ in IUCN Red List globally and nationally (Duckworth et al., 2016; Amin et al., 2018); and included in the CITES Appendix III (India). The threats for Masked Palm Civets are persecution, trapping and hunting.

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal The Masked Palm Civet is arboreal, solitary, and nocturnal animals. During the daytime they sleep and rest on the branches of the tree tops and high canopies (Nowak, 1999;

Masked Palm Civet, Photo: Hari Basnet

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ASIAN PALM CIVET Taxonomic Information Scientific Name Synonyms

Paradoxurus hermaphroditus (Pallas, 1777) Viverra hermaphrodita (Pallas, 1777) Paradoxurus lignicolor (Miller, 1903) Paradoxurus musangus (Raffles, 1821), Paradoxurus philippinensis (Jourdan, 1837)

English Name Nepali Name

Common Palm Civet, Asian Palm Civet, Toddy Cat, Mentawai Palm Civet

Tadi Nirbiralo -tf8L gL/la/fnf]_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution The Asian Palm Civet is distributed in south and southeast Asia including Pacific islands. It is recorded from Bhutan, Borneo, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Java, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Sumatra, Thailand and Vietnam (Duckworth et al., 2016).

2. National Distribution Asian Palm Civet was first reported scientifically from Nepal by Hodgson (1836)

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta The Asian Palm Civet is distributed across Shuklaphanta National Park. During camera trapping survey in 2018, it was photographed from 13 locations (23 detections) with detection rate 1.43 per 100 camera trap days (Poudyal et al., 2019). Mitchell (1977) had collected specimen from Kanchanpur district.

as Paradoxurus hirsutus. It has a wide distribution in Nepal below 2990 m. It has been recorded from Shuklaphanta, Bardia, Chitwan, Parsa, Rara and Makalu-Barun National Parks; Annapurna Conservation Area and Ilam district (Jnawali et al., 2011; Suwal & Verheugt, 1995; Katuwal et al., 2018).

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Morphological Characteristics The Asian Palm Civet has elongated bodies with short legs, and a tail that is almost as long as their head and body combined. Their body coat is short, coarse, and is usually black or gray with black-tipped guard hairs all over. Nose is pointed and protrudes from their small face looking like cats, but skulls are longer and flatter. They weigh about 3–5 kg with an average body length of 50 cm, and tail 48 cm (Menon, 2014).

Ecology

Asian Palm Civet at ShNP, Photo: ShNP

1. Habitat and Food 2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal

Asian Palm Civet can live in a variety of habitats. They naturally live in temperate and tropical forests, but in developed areas they are also found in parks, suburban gardens, plantations, and fruit orchards.

Asian Palm Civet is arboreal, solitary, and nocturnal animal. Mostly they mate, give birth, and take care of young, spending the whole breeding period in the tree (Nelson, 2013). They can have an average home range of 1 km2, females have smaller home range. They travel up to 1.5 km in a night (Nakashima & Sukor, 2010). Asian Palm Civet breeds throughout the year. They find mates using scent markings from their anal glands, indicating each civet age, sex, receptivity, kin relationship, and if they are familiar. Despite being generally solitary, they come together in the same resting trees to continuously mate for a period of 1–15 days. After a gestation period of 2 months, Asian Palm Civets give birth to 2–5 kittens in tree hollows or boulder crevices for secrecy and protection. Weaning period is about 2 months. They sexually mature after a year old. They live 15–22 years in the wild (Nelson, 2013).

They are opportunistic and adaptable feeders with mostly frugivorous diet, preferring berries and pulpy fruits. They are noted for their ability to pick the best and ripest fruit, leaving the others for later. In addition to their normal diet of fruits, the civets also eat rodents, birds, insects, worms, eggs, reptiles, snails, scorpions etc.

Conservation Status and Threats Asian Palm Civet is listed as ‘Least Concern’ in both global and national IUCN Red List (Duckworth et al., 2016; Amin et al., 2018); and included in the CITES Appendix III (India). The threats include habitat loss, poaching for body parts (especially its glands), disturbance to habitat and persecution. In some parts of the world, they are also captured for farming to produce coffee.

Asian palm civet, Photo: Vikram Tiwari

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LARGE INDIAN CIVET Taxonomic Information Scientific Name Synonyms English Name Nepali Name

Viverra zibetha (Linnaeus, 1758) Viverra tainguensis (Sokolov, Rozhnov & Pham Chong Anh, 1997) Large Indian Civet Thulo Nirbiralo -7'nf] gL/la/fnf]_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Large Indian Civet occurs up to 3,080 m in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam (Timmins et al., 2016).

2. National Distribution Hodgson (1834) first reported the Large Indian Civet as Viverra undulata from Nepal. It occurs across most of Nepal (except in the high mountains and Trans-Himalayan area) up to 2,420 m (Jnawali et al., 2011; Appel et al., 2013; Ghimirey & Acharya, 2014).

Morphological Characteristics The Large Indian Civet has grey coat with brownish tinge. They have black spot-like irregular markings in their body with black and white stripes on their neck. Their thick tails have 5-6 large black rings with smaller white rings in between. Their feet are relatively darker in color and have retractable claws. It is the largest of four civets found in Nepal with an average total body length of 120 cm with weight ranging from 5 to 11 kg (Menon, 2014).

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta The Large Indian Civet was photographed from south-western part of Shuklaphanta National Park during camera trapping survey in 2018. It was recorded on a single location (single detection) with detection rate 0.06 per 100 camera trap days (Poudyal et al., 2019).

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give birth up to 4 kittens. They often give birth in a hole in the ground or in very dense vegetation. Their weaning period is about 1 month. The kittens are thought to be raised by the female alone. The kittens disperse from their mother at the age of six months. They have an average lifespan of 15–20 years in captivity (Jackson, 2000).

Ecology 1. Habitat and Food The Large Indian Civet is found in a variety of habitats, both evergreen and deciduous, and primary and degraded. They are recorded from riverine forests, sal forests, grasslands, scrubs, and dense forests. They are also common around human settlements (Jnawali et al., 2011).

Conservation Status and Threats

Their diet consists of a variety of animals such as birds, frogs, snakes, lizards, small mammals, poultry and rubbish. They also eat fruits, roots, eggs, and have been recorded eating fish and crabs (Jackson, 2000; Jnawali et al., 2011).

Large Indian Civet is listed as 'Least Concern' in IUCN global Red List category and 'Near Threatened' in national Red List category (Timmins et al., 2016; Amin et al., 2018); and included in the CITES Appendix III (India). Although it is adaptive to humans, threats for their survival are habitat loss due to human encroachment, depletion of natural prey base, competition with other large carnivores such as tigers and leopards, road kills, direct and indirect persecution and disease particularly those transmitted by feral and/ or domestic dogs (including mange, canine distemper, parvovirus and rabies) (Jnawali et al., 2011; Ghimire & Acharya, 2014).

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal The Large Indian Civet is solitary and primarily nocturnal. Despite its expert climbing skills, it is usually active on the ground (Timmins et al., 2016). This civet breeds throughout the year. It breeds twice in a year and in each batch

Large Indian Civet, Photo: SMCRF

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SMALL INDIAN CIVET Taxonomic Information Scientific Name Synonyms

Viverricula indica (É. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1803) Civetta indica (É. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1803), Viverricula malaccensis (Gmelin, 1788)

English Name Nepali Name

Small Indian Civet, Oriental Civet Sano Nirbiralo -;fgf] gL/la/fnf]_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Small Indian Civet is widely distributed up to 2,500 m in south and southeast Asia. It occurs in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, most of India, Nepal, south and central China, Taiwan, Bangladesh, throughout mainland southeast Asia and various islands of Indonesia (Choudhury et al., 2015).

2. National Distribution It was first reported scientifically from Nepal by Hodgson during 1830s as Viverra indica (Hodgson, 1834). The Small Indian Civet has a wide distribution across Nepal up to 2,500 m (Jnawali et al., 2011).

detections) with detection rate 4.05 per 100 camera trap days (Poudyal et al., 2019).

Morphological Characteristics The Small Indian Civet has brownish yellow or tawny orange fur. It has black stripes on their neck. Their body has spots on the sides. The spots on their back align into parallel lines which forms a spotted stripe on their hind parts. They have more than 9 thin black rings on their bushy tail. Their limbs are

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta The Small Indian Civet is widely distributed across Shuklaphanta National Park. During camera trapping survey in 2018, it was photographed from 24 locations (65

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short and small with blackish tinge. Their body weight ranges from 2–4 kg with body length of 45–65 cm and tail length 25–45 cm (Menon, 2014).

Ecology 1. Habitat and Food The Small Indian Civet is found in a variety of habitats including riverine, sal and open forests. They are also common around human settlements (Jnawali et al., 2011).

Small Indian Civet at ShNP, Photo: ShNP

They breed once a year but have two estrus periods usually from February to April and August to September. Females give birth to a litter of 3–5 kittens after gestation of about 2 months (Balakrishnan & Sreedevi, 2007). The kittens are thought to be raised by the female alone. Their life span is 8–9 years in the wild (Choudhary et al., 2015)

Small Indian Civet is primarily carnivorous, although sometimes feeds on fruits. They eat mainly small vertebrates, especially rodents, and consume fruit, carrion, and human garbage opportunistically. In Koshi Tappu, it has been seen feeding on termites during swarming. They have been reported preying on small pets and goat kids as well (Shirley, 2009).

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal

Conservation Status and Threats

Small Indian Civets are solitary and nocturnal with good climbing skills but not arboreal. They inhabit in burrows, hollow trunks and hollow logs and easily take up nest boxes especially in areas that lack large trees with cavities.

Small Indian Civet is listed in IUCN Red List as ‘Least Concern’ both globally and nationally (Choudhury et al., 2015; Amin et al., 2018); and included in the CITES Appendix III (India). The threats include persecution, poaching for body parts and road kills.

Small Indian Civet, Photo: Kum Thakur

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INDIAN GREY MONGOOSE Taxonomic Information Scientific Name Synonyms English Name Nepali Name

Herpestes edwardsii (É. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1818) Urva edwardsii (É. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1818) Indian Grey Mongoose Thulo Nyauri Musa -7'nf] Gofp/L d';f_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Indian Grey Mongoose occurs up to 2500 m in Afghanistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Kuwait; Nepal, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, and United Arab Emirates (Mudappa & Choudhury, 2016).

2. National Distribution Hodgson (1836) had reported Indian Grey Mongoose as Mangusta (Herpestes) nyula from lowland Terai for the first time in Nepal. This species is distributed up to 2100 m across Terai and Churia region of Nepal (Suwal & Verheugt, 1995; Baral & Shah, 2008; Jnawali et al., 2011).

Morphological Characteristics Indian Grey Mongoose has a distinct silvergrey fur with white freckle-like patterns over its entire body. Their tail has pale yellow or white tip but never a black tip. Individual hair has 10 alternate dark and light bands or rings. Like all herpestids, they have long bodies with very short legs. Their total length ranges from 70 to 90 cm with body weight of 1–2 kg (Menon, 2014).

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta The Indian Grey Mongoose is widely distributed across Shuklaphanta National Park. During camera trapping survey in 2018, it was photographed from 17 locations (42 detections) with detection rate 2.62 per 100 camera trap days (Poudyal et al., 2019).

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territory but fight over a female is common. They are most active during early morning and early evening (Menon, 2014).

Ecology 1. Habitat and Food They prefer open areas, grassland, and scrubbushy vegetation. They are also frequently observed near human settlements especially in cultivated fields (Jnawali et al., 2011).

They give birth to 2–4 pups per litter after a gestation period of 60–65 days. In a year, they can have up to 3 litters. The birth takes place in a hole or burrow and the pups are nursed and raised by the mother. They live up to 7 years in the wild (Graham, 2004).

The Indian Grey Mongoose is primarily a carnivore feeding on rodents, reptiles, amphibians, birds, eggs, fish, crabs, and insects (including venomous snakes, scorpions and centipedes). However, they also eat fruits, berries, and roots (Graham, 2004).

Conservation Status and Threats Indian Grey Mongoose is listed as ‘Least Concern’ in globally and nationally in IUCN Red List (Mudappa & Choudhury, 2016; Amin et al., 2018) and included in the CITES Appendix III (India, Pakistan). The major threats are persecution and trapping/ hunting.

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal Indian Grey Mongoose is frequently found singly or in pairs and sometimes female with young. They are diurnal with no strict

Indian Grey Mongoose at ShNP, Photo: ShNP

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CRAB-EATING MONGOOSE Taxonomic Information Scientific Name Synonyms English Name Nepali Name

Herpestes urva (Hodgson, 1836) Urva urva (Hodgson, 1836) Crab-eating Mongoose Gangate Nyaurimusa -u“u6] Gofp/L d';f_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Crab-eating Mongoose occurs up to 1,800 m in south and southeast Asia (Choudhury et al., 2015)

2. National Distribution Hodgson (1836) had described Crab-eating Mongoose (as Gulo urva) new to the science from central and northern regions of Nepal. Distribution of Crab-eating Mongoose photographed from Ilam (Hem Sagar Baral), Kaski and Tanahu (Tek Gharti Magar, Som GC and Tashi R. Ghale personal communication to Hem Sagar Baral 2019).

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta The Crab-eating Mongoose was photographed in north of Shuklaphanta National Park during camera trapping survey in 2018 (Poudyal et al., 2019). Their distribution in the park is poorly understood.

is poorly documented in Nepal. Recent published records show their distribution in Parsa, Chitwan, Banke, Bardia and Shuklaphanta National Parks, Annapurna Conservation Area; Dang, Gorkha, Ilam, Shankhuwasabha and Sunsari districts (Jnawali et al., 2011; Thapa, 2013; Sharma, & Lamichhane, 2017; Pandeya & Khanal, 2019; Rayamajhi et al., 2019; Baral et al., 2019). The Crab-eating Mongoose has been

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Morphological Characteristics

& Lee, 1997) and sometimes small birds.

The Crab-eating Mongoose has grizzly appearance with grey to dark brown coat with a distinct white stripe that extends from its cheek up to its shoulder. They have pointed head with a distinct pink nose, darker (almost black) partially webbed feet and short tail with pale yellow color. The body length measures 70–80 cm and weighs from 1.8 to 2.3 kg (Menon, 2014).

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal This species is more active during the morning and evening. They often travel in a pair but occasionally alone or in family groups with sub-adults. The life history traits of this species are not well known but it is likely they are similar to that of other mongoose species in Nepal.

Ecology

Conservation Status and Threats

1. Habitat and Food Crab-eating Mongooses are primarily found close to the streams, rivers and wetlands. They are recorded from a variety of habitats including savanna, evergreen and deciduous forest, and scrubby areas with plenty of water sources.

Crab-eating Mongoose is listed as ‘Least Concern’ in IUCN global Red List and ‘Vulnerable’ in national Red List (Choudhury et al., 2015; Amin et al., 2018); and included in the CITES Appendix III (India). Primary threat of this species is habitat destruction (drying of water sources) and other possible threats are prey-scarcity, road kills, poaching for bush meat, killings by domestic dogs.

They mostly prefer crabs but feed equally on fish, snails, insects, and amphibians (Chuang

Crab-eating Mongoose, Photo: Tashi Rapte Ghale

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RUDDY MONGOOSE Taxonomic Information Scientific Name Synonyms English Name Nepali Name

Herpestes smithii (Gray, 1837) Urva smithii (Gray, 1837) Ruddy Mongoose Rato Nyauri Musa -/ftf] Gofp/L d';f_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Ruddy Mongoose is found up to 2,200 m in much of India, Nepal and Sri Lanka (Choudhury, 2013; Mudappa & Choudhury, 2016). Officially it was documented from Nepal in 2014 (Subba et al., 2014).

2. National Distribution The Ruddy Mongoose was reported from Banke National Park for the first time in Nepal (Subba et al., 2014). However, photos of Ruddy Mongoose during camera trapping in 2013 (part of National Tiger survey) was revealed from Shuklaphanta later. Ruddy Mongoose also occurs in Bardia National Park (BNP/NTNC-BCP, 2019).

(Poudyal et al., 2019). Its distribution in the park is poorly understood.

Morphological Characteristics Its coat is usually brown, with white and black specks peppering throughout the body. The mongoose head blends into a reddish color, with the tip of its tail black. At its full size, its body can reach between 39 and 45 cm, with its tail between 35 and 47 cm. The mongoose is a light animal, weighing an average 2–3 kg (Menon, 2014).

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta The Ruddy Mongoose was photographed from single location (single occasion) from central part of Shuklaphanta National Park during camera trapping survey in 2018

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although there are many records by day and by night. It spends most of time at ground but climbs in trees occasionally (Mudappa & Chaudhary, 2016). Not much is known about its breeding habits but assumed to be similar to other mongooses.

Ecology 1. Habitat and Food The ecology of Ruddy Mongoose is little known. Most records are from open and dry forests, particularly in sal forests. This mongoose is primarily carnivorous. It feeds on snakes, small lizards, rodents, and carcasses.

Conservation Status and Threats Ruddy Mongoose is listed as ‘Least Concern’ in IUCN global Red List and ‘Data Deficient' in national Red List (Mudappa & Choudhury, 2016; Amin et al., 2018); and included in the CITES Appendix III (India). Very little is known about threats to this species.

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal Little is known about the behavior of the Ruddy Mongoose. They are primarily solitary, occasionally occur in pairs and very rarely in small groups (Menon, 2014). Based on available records, they are partly crepuscular,

Ruddy Mongoose, Photo: Markus Lilje

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SMALL INDIAN MONGOOSE Taxonomic Information Scientific Name Synonyms

English Name Nepali Name

Herpestes auropunctatus (Hodgson, 1836) Urva auropunctata (Hodgson, 1836); Herpestes javanicus ssp. auropunctatus (Hodgson, 1836); Herpestes palustris (Ghose, 1965) Mangusta auropunctata (Hodgson, 1836) The Small Indian Mongoose Herpestes auropunctatus and Javan Mongoose H. javanicus were considered as one species by some previous authors, as H. javanicus. However, the molecular studies of Veron et al., (2006) and Patou et al., (2009) showed that they are separate species. Small Indian Mongoose

Sano Nyauri Musa -;fgf] Gofp/L d';f_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Small Indian Mongoose occurs in middle east and south Asia, recorded in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia (Jennings & Veron, 2016). In India they are recorded up to 2,100m (Menon, 2014).

2. National Distribution Hodgson (1836) had described Small Indian Mongoose as Mangusta (Herpestes) auropunctata new to the science from the central regions of Nepal. This species is distributed across Nepal between elevations of 240 m to 1,500 m (Jnawali et al., 2011).

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta The distribution of Small Indian Mongoose in the park is poorly understood.

Morphological Characteristics The Small Indian Mongoose shares the typical traits of mongooses but is the smallest of all four found in Nepal. It has a pointed head, a long tail, and thick hair except on their lower legs (Ewer, 1977). An individual hair shows three dark rings and two pale ones. Its fur coat can stand on end, which makes the animal appear twice as large when it combats enemies. Their average weight is 0.5-1 kg. The total length is about 35–80 cm (Menon, 2014). The male is heavier than the female.

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They breed two to three times in a year from the end of February until early September producing 2–3 offspring per litter. Their gestation period last for about 42–50 days and weaning about a month (Gorman, 1976; Nellis & Everard, 1983; Warren, 1999). They live 3–4 years in wild (GISD, 2019).

Ecology 1. Habitat and Food The Small Indian Mongoose occurs in a variety of habitats but prefers well-watered areas, open deciduous forests, shrublands and grasslands. It has a broad diet which includes rats, birds, reptiles, frogs, crabs, insects and scorpions (Jnawali et al., 2011).

Conservation Status and Threats

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal

The Small Indian Mongoose is listed as ‘Least Concern’ in IUCN global Red List and ‘Data Deficient’ in national Red List (Jennings & Veron, 2016; Amin et al., 2018); and included in the CITES Appendix III (India). It is adaptive to humans. Their major threats are poaching for fur and pet trade, persecution and pesticide use in agriculture.

Small Indian Mongoose is diurnal and solitary animals but males have been found to form social groups during the breeding season. They are most active during early morning and early evening. They are not strictly territorial but fights over a female are common.

Small Indian Mongoose, Photo: Hari Basnet

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STRIPED HYAENA Taxonomic Information Scientific Name Synonyms English Name Nepali Name

Hyaena hyaena (Linnaeus, 1758) Canis hyaena (Linnaeus, 1758) Hyaena, Striped Hyaena Hundar, Haddibagh -x'“8f/, x8\8Laf3_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution The Striped Hyaena is distributed in northeastern Africa, Eastern Europe, middleeast and south Asia. They are recorded up to 3,300 m (AbiSaid & Dloniak, 2015).

2. National Distribution Mitchell & Derksen (1976) reported the Striped Hyaena from Kailali and Banke districts for the first time in Nepal. It is distributed in the Terai, Siwalik and Midhill regions of Nepal including Shuklaphanta, Bardia, Banke,

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta The Striped Hyaena is recorded from single location (single occasion) in north-eastern part of the Shuklaphanta National Park during camera trapping survey in 2018 with detection rate 0.06 per 100 camera trap days (Poudyal et al., 2019).

Chitwan and Parsa National Parks. They are also recorded in the districts of Jajarkot, Kalikot, Mahottari, Sarlahi, Udayapur and all Terai districts west of the Bagmati River (Suwal & Verheugt, 1995; Jnawali et al., 2011; Khanal et al., 2017; Bhandari & Bhusal, 2017; Bhandari et al., 2018).

Morphological Characteristics The Striped Hyaena has long grey and straw-colored fur with black stripes. They have long bushy dorsal hair that runs from

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occasionally by killing small animals like hares, rodents, reptiles, and birds (Chourasia et al., 2012; Alam & Khan, 2015)

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal Striped Hyaenas are nocturnal and forage individually. They are also found in pairs and sometime in a group of 5-15 individuals. They live in dens in a small family group with immature members helping to feed the younger siblings. They are not strictly a territorial animal. They give birth to 2–3 pups on average after a gestation period of ~90 days. The weaning period is 2 months. The pups sexually mature at an age of 2 years (Wagener, 2006). Their average life span is 23–24 years (Rieger, 1979).

Striped Hyaena breast feeding her cubs, Photo: Chiranjivi Khanal

the base of the skull to the tail. They have dark grey/black muzzle with blackish neck. They measure 65–80 cm at shoulder height and up to a meter body length. Males and females look alike except males tend to be bulkier. They weigh an average of 25 to 45 kg (Menon, 2014).

Ecology

Conservation Status and Threats

1. Habitat and Food

The Striped Hyaena is listed as ‘Near Threatened’ in IUCN global Red List and ‘Endangered’ in national Red List (AbiSaid & Dloniak, 2015; Amin et al., 2018); and included in the CITES Appendix III (Pakistan) and Nepal’s NPWC Act Schedule I. Potential threats to Hyaena in Nepal are persecution as a pest species (especially poisoning), decreasing natural and domestic sources of carrion, habitat loss due to forest conversion and road kills.

Striped Hyaena prefers open habitats in the undulating grounds of woodland and grasslands (Jnawali et al., 2011). They make dens in rocky hills, ravines, and crevices. They are primarily considered as scavengers, feeding on carcasses and stealing from smaller predators like leopards. They are also frequently observed feeding on human wastes, poultry and livestock. Hyaena supplements its diet with fruits, insects, and

Striped Hyaena, Photo: Hardik Patel

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BENGAL TIGER Taxonomic Information Scientific Name Synonyms English Name Nepali Name Local Name

Panthera tigris (Linnaeus, 1758), ssp. P. tigris tigris Felis tigris (Linnaeus, 1758) Tiger, Bengal Tiger Bagh, Pate Bagh -af3, kf6]af3_ Baghuwa -a3'jf_ in Tharu

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Tigers are primarily Asian species evolved 1.5 million years ago (Turner & Anton, 1997). Historically tigers occurred across much of Asia and some parts of Europe. At present they have been confined to 13 countries in Asia (India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Russia) but recent studies indicate that tiger may be extirpated from Cambodia and Vietnam (Goodrich et al., 2015).

including 18 in Parsa NP, 93 Chitwan NP, 21 in Banke NP, 87 in Bardia NP and 16 in Shuklaphanta NP and their adjoining forests (DNPWC & DFSC, 2018). There is a recent record from Mahabharat range in Dadeldhura district (WWF, 2020).

2. National Distribution Tiger occurs in Nepal for time immemorial but reported through scientific literature in 1830s by Hodgson as Felis tigris (Hodgson, 1834). Tigers are recorded in Terai and Siwalik region, west of Bagmati River in three major populations: Chitwan-Parsa, Banke-Bardia and Shukla-Laljhadi. Based on national tiger survey, tiger population in Nepal is 235

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta Tigers are distributed across Shuklaphanta National Park with their density concentrated in south western part. The high human pressure in the eastern part (the extension

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Royal Bengal Tiger at ShNP , Photo: Chungba Sherpa

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area) due to habitat encroachment by several households in Dhakka and Tarapur caused the low density of tigers in the eastern part. Only male tigers were photographed in eastern part during tiger survey in 2018. During the survey tigers were photographed from 41 locations (87 detections) with detection rate 5.42 per 100 camera trap days (Poudyal et al., 2019).

Morphological Characteristics Tigers are identified with black-stripes in golden-yellow background in their body coats. Tigers are the largest cats in the world measuring about 3 m from the tip of nose to the tip of tail with almost 1 m in the shoulder height. The average body weight of males is 180 to 225 kg and females is 100 to 160 kg (Sunquist, 1981).

Ecology 1. Habitat and Food Tigers can occur anywhere having abundant food (prey species), undisturbed habitats of large size. They have been recorded from tropical rainforests in southeast Asia, mangrove forest in Sundarbans (India and Bangladesh), in high altitudes of the Himalayas (>4200 m) in Bhutan and also found in Siberia, Russia, one of the coldest places in the Earth (Goodrich et al., 2015).

Royal Bengal Tiger at ShNP, Photo: Kaviraj Bohara

maintain their territory by marking with urine spray, scrapes on the ground and scratches on trees. Males have large territory (25 – 60 km2 in Chitwan) overlapping to 3 – 4 females (15 – 40 km2). They use roads, trails, and gullies to travel between hunting areas (Sunquist, 1981).

Tigers are obligate carnivores primarily depending on wild ungulates but sometimes eat primates, birds, small mammals and herpetofauna. In Nepal’s Terai, Spotted Deer is the primary food of Tigers. The other prey species are Wild Boar, Sambar, Hog Deer, Barking Deer, Swamp Deer, Nilgai, domestic livestock and sometimes Gaur (Lamichhane et al., 2019). Tigers stalk to get close prey, wait in dense vegetation near waterholes or close to sites where prey species are foraging and attack explosively from behind of prey.

They breed throughout the year and give birth of 1–5 cubs (average 3) per litter after gestation of 3.5 months (105 days) (McDogaul et al., 2016). Females solely raise the cubs which are vulnerable in first few months and the female generally hides the cubs in her den covered by thick vegetation. The cubs mature at the age of 18–36 months and disperse from the mother’s territory.

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal Tigers are solitary and nocturnal carnivores, but are active also dawn and dusk. They

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Males generally disperse to further distances than females. Sometimes, the mother leave or share her territory to daughters. The dispersing tigers fight aggressively with the other males to claim the territory. Tigers get injured or sometimes die in such territorial fight. The losing tigers, often injured, might be involved on livestock depredation and attacking people in the forest fringes or settlements (Smith, 1993; Lamichhane et al., 2017). Tigers live 12–16 years in the wild.

Conservation Status and Threats The Bengal Tiger is listed as ‘Endangered’ in IUCN Red List globally and nationally (Goodrich et al., 2015; Amin et al., 2018); and included in the CITES Appendix I and Nepal’s NPWC Act Schedule I. The major threats of tigers are poaching and illegal wildlife trade, habitat loss and fragmentation depletion of the prey species and conflict with humans.

Royal Bengal Tiger at ShNP, Photo: Sher Bahadur Singh

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COMMON LEOPARD Taxonomic Information Scientific Name

Panthera Pardus (Linnaeus, 1758), ssp. P. pardus fusca (Meyer,

Synonyms English Name Nepali Name Local Name

Felis pardus (Linnaeus, 1758)

1794) Common Leopard, Leopard

Chituwa -lrt'jf_ Kiro -ls/f]_ in mountains. In Midhills, Churia foothills and some rural parts of Nepal Terai, the Leopard is wrongly termed as ‘Bagh’ -af3_ or ‘Thoplebagh’ -yf]Kn]af3_ (spotted tiger) which creates confusion.

Distribution 1. Global Distribution It is highly adaptive and one of the most widely distributed felid species of the world. It is recorded up to 5,638 m on Mt. Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) (Stein et al., 2016). Because of such broad geographic range and adaptability, it is supposed to be less threatened but recent studies documented 63–75% loss of historic range (Jacobson et al., 2016). They are distributed in large parts of Africa, Asia and eastern Europe. from almost all districts in Nepal (Jnawali et al., 2011).

2. National Distribution Common Leopard occurs in Nepal for time immemorial but reported through scientific literature in 1830s by Hodgson as Felis pardus (Hodgson, 1834). Leopard occurs widely across Nepal below 4,400 m elevation. Their presence has been reported

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta Leopards are distributed across Shuklaphanta National Park. During the camera trapping survey in 2018, Leopards were photographed from 35 location (68

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Common Leopard at ShNP, Photo: Sagar Giri

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Common Leopard at ShNP, Photo: ShNP

2 males had home ranges of 47 and 48 km2, whereas a female had a range of 17 km2 at Bardia National Park (Odden and Wegge, 2005). Leopard is opportunistic carnivore and eats large and small mammals, birds, reptiles, arthropods. Leopards also scavenge opportunistically. They prefer mid-sized prey that weigh between 10 and 40 kg, which includes small deer, pigs, primates, antelopes, domestic dogs and livestock (Hayward  et al.,  2006). But it can attempt and kill 2-3 times larger prey of its own body mass (Scheepers & Gilchrist, 1991). After making a kill leopard either eats the prey item immediately or stock the kill for feeding in safety. It may drag its kills several hundred meters to tree branches or inside bushes (Stein & Hayssen, 2013).

detections) with detection rate 4.24 per 100 camera trap days (Poudyal et al., 2019).

Morphological Characteristics Leopard body typically has black rosettes on the yellowish coat. Colour of the coat can vary from golden to tawny. The head is relatively small and covered with the black dots. Leopard is a large carnivore but smaller than tiger with average body weight 31 to 65 kg for males and 17 to 58 kg for females (Stein & Hayssen, 2013).

Ecology 1. Habitat and Food Leopard occurs in a variety of habitat and terrain but favor areas with trees. They are most populous in moist forests and grasslands. Generally home ranges are largest where prey availability is relatively low, although ranges are smallest where prey availability is high and cover is available. A male can have a home range more than 450 km2 at Kaudam National Park in Namibia (Stein & Hayssen, 2013). In Nepal,

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal Leopards are solitary and nocturnal, although they sometimes hunt during daytime. They are less diurnal in areas close to humans in comparison to uninhabited areas. They mark their territory with urine, feces, and claw marks. They breed year-round. Mating occurs November–December and births occur

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February–March in India and Nepal. Females are in estrus for 5-13 days and have a 2055 days cycle. Leopards are promiscuous, as both males and females have multiple mates. Females attract potential mates by excreting pheromones in their urine. Gestation last 88112 days and females usually give birth of 2-3 cubs once every 15 to 24 months. Lactation is 114–130 days with den emergence at 42 days and independence at 13 months (Hunt, 2011; Stein & Hayssen, 2013). It is reported that the leopard has a longevity of about 2021 years (Munro & Munro, 1974)

Conservation Status and Threats The Common Leopard is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ in IUCN Red List (both globally and nationally (Stein et al., 2016; Amin et al., 2018); and included in the CITES Appendix I. The primary threats of leopards are conflict with humans, habitat loss and fragmentation, depletion of prey base, poaching, retaliatory poisoning and illegal wildlife trade.

Common Leopard at ShNP, Photo: Kaviraj Bohara

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JUNGLE CAT Taxonomic Information Scientific Name English Name Nepali Name

Local Name

Felis chaus (Schreber, 1777), ssp. F. c. affinis (Gray, 1830), Jungle Cat Ban Biralo -jg la/fnf]_ Ban Dhade, Dhade Biralo -jg 9f8], 9f8] la/fnf]_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Jungle Cat is distributed in northern Africa, middleeast and central Asia, south and southeast Asia up to 4,178 m altitude (Gray et al., 2016).

2. National Distribution Jungle Cat is native to Nepal, reported through scientific literature in 1830s by Hodgson as Lynchus erythrotus (Hodgson, 1836). Jungle Cat is widely distributed in Nepal up to 4,000 m altitude and occurs within all of the protected areas (Jnawali et al., 2011).

Mitchell (1977) had collected specimen from Kanchanpur district.

Morphological Characteristics Jungle Cat is identified with its pale grey coat with darker ears. Black markings (lines) on the legs and short tail distinguish it from domestic cats. They have comparatively longer legs, rounded ears, with a distinctive tuft of hair at the tips. Jungle cats have relatively short tails, about 1/3 of their total body length, which have several dark rings along its length and a black tip. Their size

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta Jungle Cats are distributed in peripheral areas of eastern and northern parts of Shuklaphanta National Park. During the camera trapping survey in 2018, they were photographed from 13 locations (24 detections) with detection rate 1.5 per 100 camera trap days (Poudyal et al., 2019).

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ranges from 60 to 85 cm long, 20 to 30 cm tall and weigh from 3 to 12 with an average of 4 kg (Menon, 2014). Adult males are larger and heavier than adult females.

(Sunquist & Sunquist, 2002; Mukherjee  et al., 2004; Majumder et al., 2011)

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal Jungle Cats are primarily solitary and crepuscular. They breed twice a year and produce litters of 3 to 6 kittens after gestation between 63 and 66 days. The kittens are independent by 8 to 9 months and reach sexual maturity at 11 to 18 months (Sunquist & Sunquist, 2002). They live 12–14 years in the wild (Kingdon & Hoffmann, 2013).

Ecology 1. Habitat and Food Jungle Cat is found in a variety of habitats including deserts (where they are found near oases or along riverbeds), grasslands, shrubby woodlands and dry deciduous forests, as well as cleared areas in moist forests. They also adapt well to cultivated land and can be found in different types of agriculture and forest plantations (Nowell & Jackson, 1996; Fitzgerald, 2011). Jungle Cat feeds mainly on prey that weighs less than one kilogram. It preys on small mammals primarily rodents (up to 70% of its daily diet), lizards, snakes, frogs, birds, hare, fish, insects, livestock (goat), chicken etc. Although they specialize on small prey, they are known to kill Wild Boar and chital fawns (Axis axis)

Conservation Status and Threats The Jungle Cat is listed as Least Concern in globally and nationally IUCN Red List categories (Gray et al., 2016; Amin et al., 2018); and included in the CITES Appendix II. The major threat to this species is the persecution for lifting livestock (young) and chicken. Poaching is a potential threat.

Jungle Cat, Photo: Hari Basnet

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LEOPARD CAT Taxonomic Information Scientific Name English Name Nepali Name

Prionailurus bengalensis (Kerr, 1792), ssp. P. b. bengalensis (Kerr, 1792; Groves, 1997) Leopard Cat

Chari bagh, Nigale bagh -r/L af3, lgufn] af3_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Leopard Cat is one of the most widespread carnivore species of Asia. It occurs in eastern Afghanistan and northern Pakistan, northern and coastal India, Nepal, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Sumatra, Java, Bali, Borneo, parts of the Philippines, eastern China and Korea (Ross et al., 2015). It has been divided into a number of subspecies over their ranges that differ in coloration, pelage, body length, and reproductive cycles.

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta

2. National Distribution

Leopard Cats are distributed in peripheral areas of eastern and northern parts of Shuklaphanta National Park. During the camera trapping survey in 2018, they were photographed from 3 locations (3 detections) with detection rate 0.19 per 100 camera trap days (Poudyal et al., 2019).

Leopard Cat was first time reported in Nepal as Felis nipalensis through scientific

literature by Hogdson (1832). Leopard Cats are widely distributed across Nepal up to 3,254 m (Ghimirey & Ghimire 2010; Jnawali et al., 2011).

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quite arboreal; however, they prefer to rest in the dense cover and moving on the ground (Sunquist & Sunquist 2002). The home range varies 2 to >10 km2, however typically falls between 2 to 4 Km2 which are limited by the amount of habitat availability and degree of competition for resources. Adult males have larger home range than the adult females. They breed year-round in tropical areas. In northern latitudes and probably in higher altitudes they breed during January to March. After gestation of 60 to 70 days, they give birth of 1 to 4 (typically 2 to 3) cubs (Sunquist & Sunquist, 2002; Hunter, 2015). The cubs become sexually mature around 18 months. Their lifespan is up to 15 years in captivity (Hunter, 2015).

Leopard Cat at ShNP, Photo: ShNP

Morphological Characteristics Leopard Cats have pale, tawny pelage with a white belly. Body is covered with rosettes. Their tail also has rosettes and often ringed at the tip. Four longitudinal bands run from their foreheads to their necks. Their head to body length ranges from 38 to 75 cm, and their tail is 17 to 32 cm long; the adult leopard cat weight varies between 3 to 7 kg (Sunquist & Sunquist, 2002). Their appearance differs along the climatic gradients with longer and paler fur and weighing more in colder climates.

Conservation Status and Threats The Leopard Cat is listed as ‘Least Concern’ in IUCN global Red List and ‘Vulnerable’ in national Red List (Ross et al., 2015; Amin et. al., 2018); and included in the CITES Appendix I and Nepal’s NPWC Act Schedule I. The major threats include poaching for fur and persecution as a pest.

Ecology 1. Habitat and Food Leopard Cats are one of the adaptive felids with occurrence in a wide range of habitats. They are found in tropical and temperate forests, coniferous forests, shrublands, and grasslands. They are relatively impervious to human disturbance as they also occur in disturbed areas; often found near agricultural fields and rural settlements (Miller, 2011). As other felids, Leopard Cat is primarily carnivorous preying on rodents, lizards, other terrestrial small vertebrates, fish and birds (Shehzad et al., 2012). Sometimes, the larger individuals also kill larger prey such as hares and deer fawns (Miller, 2011); and they probably scavenge also (Hunter, 2015). Its broad range also results in a high variation of diet.

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal Leopard Cat is solitary and highly nocturnal felid. They are agile climbers and can be

Leopard Cat, Photo: Sarbjit Randhawa

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FISHING CAT Taxonomic Information Scientific Name

Prionailurus viverrinus (Bennett, 1830), ssp. P. v. viverrinus (Bennett,

Synonyms English Name Nepali Name

Felis viverrina (Bennett, 1830)

1830) Fishing cat

Malaha Biralo, Pani Biralo -dnfxf la/fnf], kfgL la/fnf]_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Fishing cats are wetland dependent species, thus, having patchy distribution throughout their range. They are found up to 1,800 m altitude and extant in Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Thailand. They also occur in Indonesia (Java) and Vietnam, but their current status is not well understood in these countries (Mukherjee et al., 2016)

2. National Distribution

Reservoir area, Kapilvastu and fish ponds in Bara (Dahal et al., 2016; Taylor et al., 2016; Mishra et al., 2018; Yadav et al., 2018).

Fishing Cat was reported by Hodgson (1836) as Felis viverriceps for the first time from Nepal. It has patchy distribution in southern

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta Fishing Cats in the park are concentrated around the Shuklaphanta grassland including Shikari Tal marshes. During the camera trapping survey in 2018, they were photographed from 16 locations (25

part of Nepal. They are frequently recorded from Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Parsa, Chitwan, Bardia and Shuklaphanta National Parks. In recent years, opportunistic records of Fishing Cats were also reported outside protected area network eg Jagdishpur

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detections) with detection rate 1.56 per 100 camera trap days (Poudyal et al, 2019).

rodents, insects, snakes, lizards, mollusks and rabbits (Haque & Vijayan, 1993). There are also records of Fishing Cat preying on deer fawn (Sunquist & Sunquist, 2002).

Morphological Characteristics Fishing cats are powerfully built with short limbs and a stocky body. They have a long head but a short tail (roughly one-third the length of their body). Their fur is coarse and brownish gray in color with distinctive spots and stripes dark markings. The underside of the body is white. The black-tipped tail is marked with 5-6 black rings (Sunquist & Sunquist, 2002). Their adult body weight ranges between 5-16 kg with head-body length 57-115 cm and tail length 24-40 cm (Hunter, 2015).

Fishing Cat at ShNP, Photo: ShNP

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal Fishing Cat is solitary and nocturnal. Generally, breeding starts in JanuaryFebruary and give birth to babies in MarchMay. They have also been known to breed in June (Nowell & Jackson, 1996). The gestation period is 63–70 days, after which the female gives birth to 1 to 4 kittens (average litter size = 2). The kittens start taking meat around 2 months. Weaning lasts 4 to 6 months and kittens start to disperse by 8 to 9 months. At 10 months they are independent and reach sexual maturity soon after (Nowell & Jackson, 1996; Sunquist & Sunquist, 2002). Their lifespan is up to 12 years in captivity (Hunter, 2015).

Ecology 1. Habitat and Food Fishing Cat is a wetland dependent species that lives in proximity of wetland areas, including marshes and swamps. They inhabit in grasslands or bushes adjacent to rivers or wetlands for resting (Hunter, 2015). Fishing Cats have been reported only in lowlands in Nepal but recorded at 1,800 m elevation in the mountainous areas of Sri Lanka (Mukherjee et al., 2016). Fishing Cat is well known for eating fish (75% of their diet) but also consumes birds,

Conservation Status and Threats Fishing Cat is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ in IUCN global Red List and ‘Endangered’ in national Red List (Mukherjee et al., 2016; Amin et al., 2018). It is listed in CITES Appendix II. The major threat to the species is the destruction of their habitat, primarily wetlands. A global assessment shows that 85% of the wetland areas was lost during last 300 years (Diaz et al., 2019). These wetlands were dried and used for different human purposes. Similarly, destructive fishing practices has reduced the fish stock in natural wetlands. Sometimes fish farmers also persecute when fishing cats sneak into the fish pond in search of food (Taylor et al., 2016).

Fishing Cat at ShNP, Photo: Kum Thakur

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RUSTY-SPOTTED CAT Taxonomic Information Scientific Name English Name Nepali Name

Local Name

Prionailurus rubiginosus (I. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1831) Rusty-spotted Cat

Khiyathople biralo -lvofyf]Kn] la/fnf]_ Khiyale biralo -lvofn] la/fnf]_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Rusty-spotted Cat was recorded previously from India and Sri-Lanka (Mukherjee et al., 2016) but recorded from Nepal in 2016 (Lamichhane et al., 2016). It might be more common than previously thought. In recent years, new localities of this species are reported from India and Nepal primarily due to better coverage for research activities and also perhaps due to its range expansion.

2. National Distribution

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta

Lamichhane et al., (2016) reported the Rustyspotted Cat from Shuklaphanta National Park for the first time in Nepal. It is recorded

Rusty-spotted Cats are distributed across the Shuklaphanta National Park. During the camera trapping survey in 2018, they were photographed from 8 locations (16 detections) with detection rate 1.0 per 100 camera trap days (Poudyal et al., 2019).

Morphological Characteristics The Rusty-spotted Cat has rusty spots on pale grey coat, white belly with black irregular spots/lines and dark unmarked bushy tail.

only from Shuklaphanta and Bardia National Parks. It was photographed in camera traps in 2016 and regularly in subsequent years. In Bardia a visitor took photograph in 2012, no records are reported afterwards.

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The cat preys on small mammals and birds (Nowell & Jackson, 1996) but details are not known. Sometimes they also raid on poultry (Pocock 1939, Phillips 1980).

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal Rusty-spotted Cat is solitary and nocturnal. They mate year-round. The gestation period lasts between 67 to 71 days and litter size is 1 to 3. The cubs mature at the age of one year. Their lifespan in captivity is 12 years (Sunquist & Sunquist, 2002).

Rusty-spotted Cat, Photo: ShNP

Rusty-spotted Cat is the smallest member of the felidae family with half the size of typical house cat. Average weight of adults’ ranges between 1.1 and 1.6 kg with total length 50– 80 cm (Hunter, 2015).

Rusty-spotted Cats are solitary and nocturnal animals, living alone in forests, and more recently in human dominated agricultural areas. The species is considered terrestrial, but also has arboreal tendencies.

Ecology 1. Habitat and Food The Rusty-spotted Cats are recorded in grasslands, scrub, drier and open forests and apparently not found in dense forests (Nowell & Jackson, 1996). Multiple records in Sri Lanka and India show their tolerance to modified habitat such as denning and breeding in tea plantations in Sri Lanka (Phillips, 1980). They were also found in attics of houses surrounded by paddy fields and coconut trees in southern India, old farmhouses in mango plantations in Gujarat, or on farmlands on the outskirts of Bangalore (Nowell & Jackson, 1996).

Conservation Status and Threats Rusty-spotted Cat is listed as ‘Near Threatened’ in IUCN global Red List, ‘Data Deficient’ in national Red List (Mukherjee et al., 2016; Amin et al., 2018); and Appendix II in CITES. Very little information is available about this species in Nepal. Due to their similarity in appearance to that of Jungle Cat, these might have been under reported. Persecution may be a possible threat.

Rusty Spotted Cat, Photo: Anonymous

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ORDER: PROBOSCIDEA

Proboscidea species in the World

3 (Burgin et al., 2018)

Proboscidea Species in Nepal

1 (Amin et al., 2018)

Proboscidea Species in ShNP

1

Asian Elephant at ShNP, Photo: Aashish Joshi

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Order

Family

Genus

Species

PROBOSCIDEA

Elephantidae

Elephas

maximus

Characteristics of Elephantidae    

The trunk of Elephantidae is the most versatile organs to have evolved among mammals. It’s combination of the upper lip and nose; the nostrils are located at the tip. Elephant tusks never stop growing, so enormous tusks (modified incisors) can be a sign of an old elephant. The brain of an elephant is larger than that of any other land mammal, weighing between 3.6 to and 5.4 kg, whereas a human’s brain weighs 1.3 kg on average. Elephants are the world’s largest and one of the intelligent land animal.

Facts about Elephantidae 

 







There are three distinct species of elephant left in the world: The Asian Elephant in Asia and, the Forest Elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis) and Savannah Elephant (L. Africana) species in Africa. There are three sub species of Asian elephants viz. Asian Mainland Elephant (E. m. indicus), Srilankan Elephant (E. m. maximus) and Sumatran Elephant (E. m. sumatranus) Elephants have very few sweat glands. This results in a skin that is dry to the touch but soft and supple. Elephants regulate their body temperature by shaking ear and pouring water by trunk in their body. Elephants eat tough, fibrous food and most of it passes through their bodies undigested. An adult African  elephant  can produce up to 135 kgs of dung  each day. Elephants defecate between eight and 10 times every day (every 2.5-3 hours), and there are six or seven boli (poop) in a pile. Elephants are an ecological engineer, a single elephant can provide about 1000 kgs dung each week, which keeps the soil fertile and also help to disperse plant seeds that help recolonization of forest. Elephants are social animal living in matriarchal (female-led) groups. The matriarch leads the group and decide for the feeding strategy according to the availability of feeding materials. Elephants are also divided in to small group for feeding during the lean period and during migration time, even during crop raiding, they are divided in to different groups for foraging.

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ASIAN ELEPHANT Taxonomic Information Scientific Name English Name Nepali Name Local Name

Elephas maximus (Linnaeus, 1758) Asian Elephant, Asiatic Elephant Hatti -xfQL_ Jangali Hatti, Ban Hatti -h·nL xfQL, jg xfQL_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Asian Elephant is distributed in 13 Asian countries i.e. Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam; it is regionally extinct from Pakistan (Choudhury et al., 2008). Wild population of Asian Elephant is estimated about 38,00052,000 in the world; 60% of which lies in India (Sukumar, 2006). central part, 100–120 in western part (also migrates to Indian side through Valmiki and Shikaribas areas) and 15–20 in far western part. In addition to the resident population, 135–170 migratory elephants in different groups also visit Shuklaphanta, Bardia and Banke National Parks in the west and Jhapa district and Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in the east.

2. National Distribution There is a long history of elephants in Nepal but Hodgson (1832) was the first to report Elephant as Elephas indicus (Hodgson, 1841) to the outer world from Nepal (forest

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta Elephants are distributed throughout Shuklaphanta National Park. During the

and hills of the lower region). Asian Elephant is distributed in four sub-populations across the Terai and Siwalik region in 23 districts of Nepal except Nawalparasi west and Rupandehi (DNPWC, 2009; Pradhan et al., 2011). It is estimated that 25–30 resident elephants inhabit in eastern part, 45–50 in

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camera trapping survey in 2018, they were photographed in southern part from 19 locations (37 detections) with detection rate 2.31 per 100 camera trap days (Poudyal et al., 2019).

large variety of plants. A full-grown elephant may eat up to 240 kg fresh plant material (and ~200 liters of water), spend 12 to 18 hours for eating and produces 100 kg of dung in a day (Menon, 2014; Vancuylenberg, 1977; Sukumar, 1989). Elephants inhabit in grasslands, riverine forest, mixed hardwood forest and agricultural areas.

Morphological Characteristics Asian Elephant is a mega-herbivore, weighing an average 5,000 kg (males 3,500–6,000 kg; females 2,000–3,500 kg) and an average height of 3 m (Sukumar, 2006). The body length ranges from 550 to 640 cm (Karkala, 2016). Morphologically, they have gray body with convex back, fan-shaped large ears, muscular one tip trunk and sparse hairs in the skin. Only males have tusks, most females do not have tusks. However, some females can show very small tusks. Some males don’t have tusk and are called ‘Makuna’.

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal Asian Elephants are social animals, generally live in group of 5–20 led by a matriarch. Group size also varies with season with some groups joining together and making larger groups (Sukumar, 2006). The females and offspring always live together in a group, while the males also live in smaller groups or alone. Males are found with the larger groups when they are trying to mate with a female. Female elephants become sexually active between nine and twelve years of age and produce a single offspring after a gestation period of 20–22 months (Sukumar, 2006) longer than any other land animal. An  elephant  cow's estrus  cycle  lasts 3-4 months, therefore, an  elephant  cow is only ready to be covered by the bull about 3 to 4 times per year. The lifespan of elephant is 60–70 years in the wild (Karkala, 2016). They have a long reproductive period from 12 to 60 years, within which they can produce as many as 12 calves. The longest known lifespan was a male in Taipei Zoo that lived to 86 years (Wiese & Willis, 2004). Males often die while fighting and competing with other males.

Ecology 1. Habitat and Food The Asian Elephant is a habitat generalist, occurs in a variety of habitats, and feeds on

Elephants communicate with sound, visual signals, chemical signals, olfaction and touch (Langbauer, 2000). The trunk is important in these types of communication. Their vision is relatively weak. The elephant can make many types of vocalizations that can travel both long and short distances. They are able to produce sounds in the infrasound range (a lower frequency than what humans can hear) used communicating with distant animals. Chemical signals indicate if an individual is in ‘musth’ or estrus, so these signals are important for finding mates for both females and males.

Elephant at ShNP, Photo: Yam Bahadur Rawat

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Asian Elephant at ShNP, Photo: Yam Bahadur Rawat

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2018) as well as Appendix I of CITES and protected (Schedule I) of NPWC Act in Nepal. It has slow life history traits and is threatened from habitat loss, degradation and alteration. Human Elephant Conflict (HEC) has emerged as another most serious threat to elephant conservation. Human deaths, injuries, crops and property raiding as well as retaliatory killings of elephants, are increasing day to day. Linear infrastructure development such as multilane highways, irrigation canals, railways, transmission lines affect movement of elephants and are considered serious threats. Although there are only a few poaching cases are recorded in Nepal but it is a serious threat. In recent years, disease such as EEHV (Herpes) and Tuberculosis are affecting captive elephants which could be prevalent in wild populations. Further research and conservation are needed in this field.

The elephants move long distances in search of food and mate. Their fastest speed is 32 km/hour (Karkala, 2016). They are active both day and night to meet their food requirement to sustain their large bodies. They spend 12 to 18 hours searching and eating food, consume 5–10% of their body mass daily (Vancuylenberg, 1977). The size of the home range greatly varies from 32 to >1,000 km2 (Daniel, 1998;  Sukumar, 2006; Fernando et al, 2008). The size depends on the availability of food and water, as well as the proximity to human settlements.

Conservation Status and Threats Elephants are listed as ‘Endangered’ in both global and national Red List of threatened species (Choudhury et al., 2008; Amin et al.,

A family of Asian Wild Elephant at ShNP, Photo: Kaviraj Bohara

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ORDER: PERISSODACTYLA

Perissodactyla species in the World

21 (Burgin et al., 2018)

Perissodactyla Species in Nepal

1 (Amin et al., 2018)

Perissodactyla Species in ShNP

1

Greater One-horned Rhinoceros, Photo: Chungba Sherpa

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Order

Family

Genus

Species

PERISSODACTYLA

Rhinocerotidae

Rhinoceros

unicornis

Characteristics of Perissodactyla     

Perissodactyla is characterized by the possession of either one or three hoofed toes on each hindfoot. The Perissodactyla  comprise  three families of living mammals: Equidae (horses), Tapiridae (tapirs), Rhinocerotidae (rhinoceros) The species of Perissodactyla have their middle toe larger than the others. In all species, 3rd digit is the most prominent on all feet. The first digit (equivalent the thumb or big toe of humans) is lost in all species. Perissodactyla have a simple stomach, in contrast to the chambered structure of most members of Artiodactyla.

Facts about the Rhinos  

Rhinoceros horns are made from a protein called keratin, the same substance that fingernails and hair are made of. Rhinoceroses communicate using infrasonic frequencies that are below the human threshold of hearing.

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GREATER ONE-HORNED RHINOCEROS Taxonomic Information Scientific Name English Name Nepali Name

Rhinoceros unicornis (Linnaeus, 1758) Greater One-horned Rhinoceros Gainda -uÄ8f_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Greater One-horned Rhinoceros (referred rhino hereafter) is endemic to south Asia; and now restricted to few protected areas in India, Nepal and Bhutan, totaling about 3,500 individuals. In India, Assam holds the majority of the population (Kaziranga and Manas National Parks, Pobitora and Orang Wildlife Sanctuaries). Small population exists in West Bengal (Jaldapara National Park and Gorumara Wildlife Sanctuary) and a few in Bihar (Valmiki Tiger Reserve) and Uttar Pradesh (Dudhwa National Park and Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary). In Bhutan, it is recorded at Royal Manas National Park. It is regionally extinct from Bangladesh (Ellis & Talukdar, 2019).

National Parks and their surrounding forests. According to the national rhino count, 2015, there are 645 rhinos in Nepal including 605 in Chitwan, 29 in Bardia, 8 in Shuklaphanta and 3 in Parsa (DNPWC, 2015).

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta Although Shuklaphanta falls in the historic range of rhinos, there was no evidence of it at the establishment of the park in 1976. One rhino was reported in the Ranital area in 1994/1995 (Suwal & Verheugt, 1995), followed by 4 rhinoceroses translocated in 2000 and additional 5 in 2017. The recent

2. National Distribution Rhinos are native to southern part of Nepal and Hodgson (1832) was the first to report it for the outer world as Rhinoceros indicus (Hodgson, 1841). It occurs mainly in Chitwan, Bardia, Parsa and Shuklaphanta

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Greater One-horned Rhinoceros at ShNP, Photo: Yam Bahadur Rawat

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(2019) ID based monitoring found 17 rhinos (male 7 and Female 10) in the park. During the camera trapping survey in 2018, some of them were photographed from 10 locations (17 detections) with detection rate 1.06 per 100 camera trap days (Poudyal et al., 2019).

Ecology 1. Habitat and Food Greater One-horned Rhinoceros prefers alluvial floodplain habitats with tall grasslands, swampy areas, and riverine forests extending to drier sal forests. Rhino requires a large volume of food (24 kg daily dry matter intake) to eat for its survival (Subedi, 2012). The diet consists of grass, fruit, leaves, branches, aquatic plants. Foraging occurs at night, in early morning, or late afternoon to avoid the heat of the day. They are generalists, browse and graze on a variety of plants.

Morphological Characteristics The Greater One-horned Rhinoceros is one of the mega-herbivores weighing 1,500–2,000 kg and shoulder height 175–200 cm (Menon, 2014). The most distinctive feature of this rhino is the single horn made of compressed hair. Skin is hairless but covered with knobs. The color of the skin is slate grey, ashy when covered with mud, or dark when wet. Rhino skin has generally two folds on each side of the body, one just behind the forelimb and the other in front of the hind limb which give the appearance of a suit of armor. Many distinct loose folds are found around the neck region in males.

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal Rhinos are solitary animals except for females with young. However, loosely bound groups of a few individuals do occur, especially at wallowing sites or foraging areas. Home range in average is 20.54 km2

Greater One-horned Rhinoceros at ShNP, Photo: Chungba Sherpa

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for male and 10.58 km2 for female in Chitwan (Subedi, 2012). Breeding occurs throughout the year. Rhinos often wallow and bath in the heat of the day. This is important both for thermoregulation and for avoiding flies. Only dominant bulls mate, and it is believed that they can assess the reproductive status of females through scent. Courtship may be aggressive, and so, males chase females and sometime fighting occurs. Males can be killed while fighting and competing with other males. The male rhinoceros becomes sexually mature at the age of 10 and females at age of 7 (Subedi, 2012). Average gestation period of the rhinoceros is 16 months and gives birth to a single calf per litter. The average life expectancy of rhinoceros is 40 years in the wild (Ellis & Talukdar, 2019).

Conservation Status and Threats In IUCN Red List, Greater One-horned Rhinoceros is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ globally (Ellis & Talukdar, 2019); and ‘Endangered’ nationally (Amin et al., 2018). It is also listed in CITES Appendix I and Schedule 1 (protected) of NPWC Act in Nepal. Threats to survival of rhinos are poaching and illegal trade for rhino horns, human-rhino conflict (crop raiding, human injury, retaliatory killing), habitat loss/fragmentation and degradation (human encroachment, infrastructure development, clearance for agriculture, urbanization, invasive species, grassland shrinkage due to natural succession), small populations and emergence of diseases (Amin et al., 2018).

Greater One-horned Rhinoceros at ShNP, Photo: Yam Bahadur Rawat

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ORDER: ARTIODACTYLA

Artiodactyla species in the World

551 (Burgin et al., 2018)

Artiodactyla Species in Nepal

25 (Amin et al., 2018)

Artiodactyla Species in ShNP

8

Blackbuck at ShNP, Photo: Sagar Giri

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Order

Family

Genus

Species

Suidae

Sus

scrofa

Antilope

cervicapra

Boselaphus

tragocamelus

Muntiacus

vaginalis

Bovidae

ARTIODACTYLA

axis Axis

porcinus

Cervidae Rucervus

duvauceli

Rusa

unicolor

Characteristics of Artiodactyla  All species possess an even number of toes on each foot. Limbs are usually elongate and     

slim. The species include deer, antelope, sheep, goats, pigs and cattle. Except pigs, all are herbivorous and ruminant. Artiodactyla, characterized by a double-pulley astragalus (a bone in the ankle joint) and a majority of artiodactyls having selenodont cheek teeth. Artiodactyls are paraxonic, that is, the plane of symmetry of each foot passes between the third and fourth digits. Within Artiodactyla, the families Suidae (pigs) and Tayassuidae (peccaries) are omnivores and have quadrate, bunodont teeth. Artiodactyls exhibit a great deal of variation in physical appearance. Body mass ranges from 4000 kg in hippos to 2 kg in Lesser Malay Mouse Deer. Height ranges from 5 m in giraffes to 23 cm in Lesser Malay Mouse Deer.

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WILD BOAR Taxonomic Information Scientific Name English Name Nepali Name

Sus scrofa (Linnaeus, 1758) Wild Boar, Wild Pig Bandel, Jangali Sungur -a“b]n, h·nL ;'ª\u'/_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Wild Boar is widely distributed across Asia, Africa and Europe; and introduced in Australia and America (Keuling & Leus, 2019).

2. National Distribution Hodgson (1842) was the first to report Wild Boar (as Sus aper variety aipomus and S. aper variety isonotus) from Nepal. It is distributed extensively throughout Nepal, both inside and outside of the protected areas (Jnawali et al., 2011).

Morphological Characteristics Wild Boar has dark grey/brown coat of stiff bristles and a black mane. Males have a set of tusks (Jnawali et al, 2011). At birth, young boars generally have yellowish-brown stripes running down their backs and on their sides that disappear into an even dark coloration within few months. Adult Wild Boars have a thick, coarse coat of hair covering their bodies. The size and weight of the Wild Boar vary greatly, body length from 90–200 cm and weight 50–250 and rarely, up to 320 kg. Females tend to be smaller than males of the same age (Baral & Shah, 2008; Menon, 2014; Wickline, 2014).

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta The Wild Boar is widely distributed in Shuklaphanta National Park. During the camera trapping survey in 2018, they were photographed from 54 locations (495 detections) with detection rate 30.84 per 100 camera trap days (Poudyal et al., 2019). Mitchell (1977) had collected specimen from Kanchanpur district.

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Ecology 1. Habitat and Food Wild Boar is found in a variety of habitats and often found along the fringes of forests and close to agricultural fields. They may inhabit grassy areas, wooded forests, agricultural areas, shrub lands, marshes and swamps. They generally avoid extreme heat or cold and require a water source nearby. Boars are omnivores with broad diet but mainly feed on plant matter including roots, ground tubers, aerial parts, fruits and seeds. They also consume bird eggs, carrion, small rodents, insects, worms; and sometime algae, fungi and garbage (Ballari & Barrios-García, 2013, Keuling & Leus, 2019). They adjust their diets based on availability, location and weather condition. They also occur in human-dominated areas depending heavily on agricultural products and easily adapting to crop changes.

Wild Boar, Photo: Narayan Rijal

on average). Weaning and parental care go for 8 to 12 weeks (Wickline, 2014). Female piglets tend to stay in the same groups even after reaching maturity. Males stay with their mothers until they are 1–2 years old and disperse. After dispersal, they generally join in groups during mating whenever the female(s) exhibits sexual receptivity (Graves, 1984). Females become sexually mature at the age of 10 months, and males at 5–7 months. The lifespan of Wild Boar in their natural habitat is 9 to 10 years; however, one subspecies, Sus scrofa riukiuanus, lived 27 years in captivity (Wickline, 2014).

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal Wild Boars live in groups of 6–20 closelyrelated members (Graves, 1984; Keuling & Leus, 2019). They generally forage in the late evening and night but active throughout the day if there is no disturbance or rains after a dry spell. Wild Boars are polygamous. Mating may occur throughout the year. The gestation period is approximately 4 months. A sow can give birth to offspring twice a year to a litter of around 4–12 young (6 piglets

Conservation Status and Threats Wild Boar is listed as ‘Least Concern’ in IUCN Red List – both global and national (Amin et al., 2018, Keuling & Leus, 2019). It is one of the widespread species and regarded as pest in agriculture in various regions. Hunting, persecution and disease are major threats to this species.

Wild Boar at ShNP, Photo: Chungba Sherpa

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NORTHERN RED MUNTJAC Taxonomic Information Scientific Name English Name Nepali Name Local Name

Muntiacus vaginalis (Boddaert, 1785) Northern Red Muntjac, Barking Deer, Muntjac Ratuwa -/t'jf_ Rate, Mriga -/ft], d[u_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Northern Red Muntjac is native to south and southeast Asia and recorded up to 3,500 m altitude. It is extant in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam (Timmins et al., 2016). Recent taxonomic assessment has treated several previously considered subspecies into a full species, which is reflected by changing the English and Scientific names. Previously this species was known as Barking Deer (M. muntjak), the scientific name of which is now attributed to the Southern Red Muntjac, confined to Malaysian Peninsula and Indonesian Islands (Groves, 2003).

Nepal up to 3,500 m and occurs within all protected areas (Baral & Shah, 2008; Jnawali et al., 2011).

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta The Northern Red Muntjac are distributed across Shuklaphanta National Park. During the camera trapping survey in 2018, they were photographed from 23 locations (97 detections) with detection rate 6.04 per 100 camera trap days (Poudyal et al., 2019). Mitchell (1977) had collected specimen from Kanchanpur district.

2. National Distribution Hodgson (1833) was the first to record the Northern Red Muntjac (as Cervus ratwa) from Nepal (in the central and lower hills). This species is widely distributed across

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Barking Deer, Photo: Hari Basnet

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Barking Deer at ShNP, Photo: Yam Bahadur Rawat

Morphological Characteristics

Ecology

The Northern Red Muntjac has chestnut-red haired coat which can be thick and dense in cooler climates, or thin and less dense in warmer areas. Ventral side is white, whereas, face and limbs are dark brown to black. Males have 10–15 cm 2-tined small antlers which are relatively shorter than other deer (Goss, 1983) while females have tufts of hair and small bony knobs that are in the location of the antlers in males (Jackson, 2002). They have vagina shaped preorbital glands (thus called vaginalis) located on their face (just below the eyes) which are used to scent mark their territory. The male possesses tusk like upper canines measuring about 2.54 cm (Jackson, 2002). It is a small deer with shoulder height 50–70 cm, body mass is 20– 30 kg and total length ranges 100–150cm, (Menon, 2014).

1. Habitat and Food The Northern Red Muntjac occurs in variety of habitats including dense tropical, subtropical and temperate forests, thickly wooded hills, stream gorges, and thick undergrowth close to water sources (Timmins et al., 2016). They are omnivorous with its diet primarily based on fallen fruits, buds, small seeds, twigs, seed pods, tender leaves, and young grass (Ilyas & Khan, 2003). However, they do feed on birds' eggs and small animals. They use their canines to bite and their forelegs to deliver strong blows in order to catch small warm-blooded animals (Jackson, 2002).

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal The Northern Red Muntjac is solitary but male and female forage together during

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breeding season. Whether the males are territorial or not, is still not understood well. However scent mark their home range of 6070 hectare by rubbing their preorbital glands on the ground or trees (Barrette, 1977; Odden & Wegge, 2007). When predator is noticed, the barking deer produce sounds like a dog barking as alarming upto an hour to make the predator show itself or leave the area. Breeding occurs throughout the year and female give mostly single offspring per litter after gestation of 6 months. Parental care and weaning occur approximately for six months (Jnawali et al., 2011). They reach sexual maturity within a year and lifespan is about 15–20 years (Jackson, 2002).

Conservation Status and Threats Northern Red Muntjac is listed as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List globally (Timmins et al., 2016) and ‘Vulnerable’ in Nepal (Amin et al., 2018). It is widely distributed and considered agricultural pest. The potential threats of the species are hunting, persecution, habitat fragmentation (human encroachment, clearance for agriculture, urbanization), degradation of forests and grasslands. Due to high interaction with humans, transmission of disease from domestic animals such as footand-mouth disease is also a threat (Amin et al., 2018).

Barking Deer at ShNP, Photo: Yam Bahadur Rawat

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HOG DEER Taxonomic Information Scientific Name English Name Nepali Name

Axis porcinus (Zimmermann, 1780) Hog Deer Laguna -nu'gf_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Hog Deer is native to south and southeast Asia (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Nepal and Pakistan). It is reintroduced in Thailand and possibly extinct from China, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam. It is introduced in Australia, Sri Lanka and United States (Timmins et al., 2015).

2. National Distribution in 2018, they were photographed from 16 locations (60 detections) with detection rate 3.74 per 100 camera trap days (Poudyal et al., 2019).

Hodgson (1834) first described Hog Deer as

Cervus porcinus from Nepal's lower hills. It is now confined to the protected areas of

lowland Nepal below 300 m altitude and recorded from Shuklaphanta, Bardia, Banke, Chitwan and Parsa National Parks and Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (Baral & Shah, 2008; Jnawali et al., 2011; BaNP/NTNC-BCP, 2019)

Morphological Characteristics The identifying feature of Hog Deer is reddish clay coloured coat, short legs and stocky body. The females are slightly smaller than males and lack antlers. The males have noticeably thick muscular necks and have 30-45 cm long three-tined antlers that tend to be small and unimpressive compared to other deer (Goss, 1983). The antlers are

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta Hog Deer is currently confined to west of Chaudhar River in Shuklaphanta National Park. During the camera trapping survey

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periodically shed and replaced. Limbs are noticeable short and delicate; having hind limbs longer than the forelimbs, raising the rump to a height greater than that of the shoulders (Michelin, 2002). The average body mass of males is 40–55 kg and females is 30–40 kg. The body length head to tail and shoulder height of males is 140–150 cm and 65–76 cm respectively; females are smaller (Dhungel & O'Gara, 1991; Menon, 2014).

with as many females as is possible. During the breeding season, males are extremely aggressive, frequently challenging one another. Two males lower their heads, interlock antlers and push until one animal surrenders. Peak fawning season is March to April. They usually give 1–2 young after gestation of 7–8 months (Dhungel & O'Gara 1991). Parental care and weaning occur approximately for six months and the fawn reaches sexual maturity at 15 months and lifespan is 10–20 years in the wild (Michelin, 2002).

Ecology 1. Habitat and Food

Conservation Status and Threats

The Hog Deer is a grassland habitat specialist; generally, avoids closed canopy forests. It occurs in alluvial Saccharum and Imperata dominated moist grasslands. It is primarily grazer preferring on young shoots of the grasses but also feeds on herbs, flowers, fruits and sometimes browses (Odden et al., 2005; Jnawali et al., 2011).

Hog Deer is listed as ‘Endangered’ in IUCN Red List–both at global and national level (Timmins et al., 2015; Amin et al., 2018) and included in the CITES Appendix III (Pakistan). It is confined in narrow grassland patches within protected areas only. The major threats are habitat loss, deterioration and shrinkage especially the grasslands, vegetation succession leading to scrub encroachment, hunting for meat and trophy. It is also threatened due to frequent floods from erratic climate events and extreme fire (Amin et al., 2018).

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal Hog Deer live solitarily, however groups up to 20 can be seen foraging in the grasslands (Hutchins et al., 2003). Home range is 40–80 hectares (Dhungel & O'Gara 1991; Odden & Wegge, 2007). Their mating system is generally polygynous, a male will mate

Hog Deer, Photo: Utsab Jung Thapa

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SPOTTED DEER Taxonomic Information Scientific Name Synonym English Name Nepali Name Local Name

Axis axis (Erxleben 1777) Cervus axis (Erxleben 1777) Chital, Spotted Deer Chittal -lrQn_ Chitri, Harin -lrqL, xl/0f_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Spotted Deer is native to south Asia and extant in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. It is introduced to Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Brazil, Croatia, Moldova, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Ukraine, United States and Uruguay (Duckworth et al., 2015).

2. National Distribution were photographed from 78 locations (812 detections) with detection rate 50.59 per 100 camera trap days (Poudyal et al., 2019). Mitchell (1977) had collected specimen from Kanchanpur district.

Hodgson (1834) was the first to report Spotted Deer (as Cervus axis) from lower hills of Nepal. It occurs throughout the Terai and Siwaliks of Nepal primarily in and around the protected areas. A small, introduced population, also occurs in Gokarna forest of Kathmandu (Jnawali et al., 2011).

Morphological Characteristics The Spotted Deer is a medium sized deer with body weight 45–90 kg, height 0.6 to 1 m at the shoulder and the body length of about 1.5 m (Nowak, 1999). The body color is reddish with white spots in both sides and

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta The Spotted Deer is widely distributed in Shuklaphanta National Park. During the camera trapping survey in 2018, they

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white on the belly, inner legs, and underneath their short tail. Characteristic white spots occur in both sexes and run longitudinally in rows throughout the duration of the animal's life. A dark dorsal stripe runs the length of the animal's back (Mishra, 1982). The males have antlers composed of three tines almost three-quarters of a meter long, which are periodically replaced on a 12 months schedule (Goss, 1983).

the fawn until it can safely roam with the herd (Nowak, 1999). Females reach at sexual maturity in 18 months and males 30 months. Their lifespan is 9–13 years in the wild and up to 22 years in captivity (Hutchins et al., 2003).

Conservation Status and Threats Spotted Deer is listed as Least Concern in the IUCN Red List globally (Duckworth et al., 2015) and ‘Vulnerable’ in Nepal (Amin et al., 2018). Major threats to the species include hunting (bushmeat for subsistence), habitat loss (forest conversion), habitat degradation due to livestock overgrazing, inappropriate grassland management in protected areas, vegetation succession leading to scrub encroachment, anthropogenic pressure in forests (Amin et al., 2018).

Ecology 1. Habitat and Food The Spotted Deer is found in open grasslands, deciduous forests (especially in sal forest), riverine forests in lowland areas. They are primarily grazers.

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal The Spotted Deer generally live in groups. The home range is 200–500 hectare for male and 130-300 hectare for female (Mishra, 1982; Moe & Wegge, 1994). The polygynous mating takes place throughout the year but peaks in April–May. The gestation period is about 7–8 months and generally has single fawn (rarely 2). The female usually nurses

Spotted Deer, Photo: Utsab Jung Thapa

Spotted Deer, Photo: Saroj Khadka

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BARASINGHA Taxonomic Information Scientific Name Synonyms English Name Nepali Name

Rucervus duvaucelii (Cuvier 1823); ssp. R.d. duvaucelii (Cuvier, 1823) Cervus duvaucelii (Cuvier 1823) Barasingha, Swamp Deer Barasingha -af¼l;ª\uf_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Barasingha is native to south Asia; extant in Nepal and India whereas extinct from Bangaladesh and Pakistan. It is confined to isolated pockets in north and central India, and southwestern Nepal (Duckworth et al., 2015).

2. National Distribution Hodgson (1834) first reported Barasingha (as Cervus bahrainja) from lower hills of Nepal. This species occurs in Bardia and

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta The Barasingha is distributed in southern and central part of the park. They primarily depend on grasslands and swampy areas of the Shuklaphanta with seasonal migration in sal forests during monsoon. A survey in 2020 counted a population of 2,272 individuals (548 males, 1,148 females, 83 sex unidentified and 223 fawn) in the park. During the camera trapping survey in 2018, they were photographed from 6 locations (8 detections) with detection rate 0.5 per 100 camera trap days (Poudyal et al., 2019).

Shuklaphanta National Parks in Nepal (Jnawali et al., 2011). Seven individuals were translocated to Chitwan National Park in 2017 however only a single individual is remaining. Historically, they occurred in Chitwan National Park until the 1960s (Gurung, 1983), recorded also from Morang (Hodgson, 1843) and Banke districts (Mitchell, 1977).

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A fully grown adult male Swamp Deer generally has almost 1 meter long 10-15 tined antlers, Photo: Sagar Giri

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Mitchell (1977) had collected specimen from Kanchanpur district.

Ecology 1. Habitat and Food

Morphological Characteristics The Barasingha is named for the 12 points (tines) characteristically produced by its antlers. A fully grown adult male generally has almost 1 meter long 10-15 tined antlers (Goss, 1983). Adult males have a dark brown fine and woolly coat during winter and light brown in summer. Body colour varies from brown to yellowish brown in winter and paler in summer (Hutchins et al., 2003). Head body length of a male is 180–190 cm, tail length is 20 cm, shoulder height is 100–130 cm and body weight is 170–200 kg. (Menon, 2014).

The alternative name “Swamp Deer” itself explains the habitat it prefers. It is found in swampland and a variety of forest types, savanna grasslands, floodplains, marshy and swampy habitats. Barasingha mostly graze and sometimes browse (leaves and twigs) especially in the dry season when grasses are dry (not palatable) and burnt.

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal They are active in the morning and evening and rest during the day time. They are social animals, normally found in herds of similar

Swamp Deer herd at Shuklaphanta, Photo: ShNP

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age and sex. Herds with mixed age and sex can occur. The herd size of the Barasingha varies from few individuals to very large, sometimes >1,500 individuals. They are polygynous and the breeding hierarchy is established by fighting among males. Females become sexually mature between 2 and 3 years, produce a single offspring after a gestation of 240 to 250 days (Hutchins et al., 2003). Only males have antlers, which falls and re-grows annually. Their life span is around 20 years (Ferraino, 2007).

Conservation Status and Threats Barasingha is listed as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List globally (Duckworth et al.,  2015); ‘Endangered’ in national Red List (Amin et al., 2018) and included in the Appendix I of the CITES. In Nepal it is listed as protected species (Schedule I of NPWC Act 1973). The threats to the species are subsistence hunting, degradation of grasslands and pastures (livestock over-grazing, inappropriate grassland management in protected areas, vegetation succession leading to scrub encroachment), disease especially foot-andmouth due to domestic livestock grazing in the grasslands (Amin et al., 2018) and high predation pressure (probably in Bardia).

Swamp Deer, Photo: Vikram Tiwari

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SAMBAR Taxonomic Information Scientific Name Synonym English Name Nepali Name

Rusa unicolor (Kerr, 1792) Cervus unicolor (Kerr, 1792) Sambar Deer, Sambar Jarayo -h/fof]_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Sambar Deer is native to south and southeast Asia and has been recorded up to 3,900 m altitude. It is found in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. It is introduced in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the United States (Timmins et al., 2015).

2. National Distribution

Surkhet districts (Jnawali et al., 2011; BaNP/ NTNC-BCP, 2019). Small population also occur in Kathmandu (Nagarjun and Gokarna forests) which was probably introduced.

Hodgson (1831) was the first to report Sambar (as Cervus jarai) from Nepal (in sub Himalayan ranges and sal forests). Sambar occurs along the Terai and Churia foothills in Nepal. The protected areas include

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta Shuklaphanta National Park has very few records of Sambar. During the camera trapping survey in 2018, they were photographed from 3 locations (3 detections) with detection rate 0.19 per 100 camera trap days (Poudyal et al., 2019).

Shuklaphanta, Bardia, Banke, Chitwan and Parsa National Parks. Outside protected areas, Sambar is found in Bara, Banke, Bardia, Dang, Kanchanpur, Kailali, Parsa and

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Morphological Characteristics

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal

Sambar is the largest deer in southeast Asia (Hutchins et al, 2003). They have a coarse coat of short, dark hair with lighter brown to creamy white hair on their undersides. Male Sambars have almost a meter long 3–4 tined large spreading antlers which shed and regrow periodically (Goss, 1983). Head body length of a male is 160–210 cm, shoulder height is 110–160 cm and average body weight is 180–270 kg (Menon, 2014). Males are generally larger than females and possess a dense mane on their necks.

Sambar is mostly nocturnal, resting during the day in heavy forest cover. They are solitary but may be found in small groups during the mating season. Males are nomadic and establish breeding territories. The size of home range varies, 100–500 hectare for males, depending on habitat and geography. The home range for females is less than this (Leslie, 2011). Their mating system is polygynous. They have no specific breeding season, but in Nepal, peak mating activity of Sambar is October to November and peak calving during June to July (Jnawali et al., 2011). Sambar breeds once a year. Females give birth to 1 (rarely 2) offspring per litter after gestation of 8–9 months (Dahlan & Dawend, 2013). Age of sexual maturity is 2 years for females and a bit later for males. Their lifespan is 10–12 years in the wild and up to 28 years in captivity (Weigl, 2005).

Ecology 1. Habitat and Food The Sambar is generally found in dense sal and riverine forests of the lowlands and in subtropical forests of higher elevations. Sambars are both grazers and browsers, feeding on grasses, fruits, leaves (Jnawali et al., 2011).

Sambar Deer, Photo: Chungba Sherpa

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(human encroachment, clearance for agriculture, urbanization), anthropogenic pressure on forests (fuel and fodder collection, logging, selective timber felling, burning), disease especially foot-and-mouth due to domestic livestock grazing in the same grassland (Amin et al., 2018).

Conservation Status and Threats The Sambar is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ in IUCN global and national Red List (Timmins et al., 2015; Amin et al., 2018). The threats include subsistence hunting, habitat fragmentation

Sambar Deer, Photo: Sagar Giri

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BLACKBUCK Taxonomic Information Scientific Name English Name Nepali Name

Antilope cervicapra (Linnaeus, 1758) Blackbuck Krishnasar -s[i0f;f/_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Blackbuck is native to south Asia, extant in India and Nepal; and extinct from Bangladesh and Pakistan. The species has been introduced to the United States and Argentina (IUCN/SSC, 2017)

2. National Distribution Hodgson (1834) was the first who reported Blackbuck from lower region of Nepal. In the past, it was distributed all over the Terai of Banke, Bardia, Kailali and Kanchanpur Districts but extirpated from all parts except in small forest pacth in Bardia. In March,1968, a

translocated populations in Shuklaphanta National Park. Blackbuck Conservation Area is dedicated for the conservation of Blackbuck, Krishnasar being the Nepali name for the species.

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta The ShNP population is the translocated population with 42 animals; 14 from Krishnasar Conservation Area, 22 from Nepalgunj Municipality and 6 from Central Zoo during 2012–2015 (DNPWC, 2016). At the time of writing this book, there were 109 (Male: 35, Female: 46, Fawn: 28) Blackbuck

herd of females with young and a few young bucks was seen feeding near Bahwanipur, Banke District (Mitchell, 1977). Blackbucks were reported to be present in the Bilauri area (Kanchanpur District) of far western Nepal but none was seen while working in this area during March and April of 1965 (Chesemore, 1970). At present, it is restricted to small pocket in Krishnasar Conservation Area and

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at Hirapur. The Blackbuck population in Hirapur is maintained inside enclosure with an area of 58.8 ha ultimately with an aim to rehabilitate them fully in the wild.

Ecology 1. Habitat and Food Blackbucks inhabit open (short) grasslands, scrubland and lightly wooded forests close to waterbodies. On hot days blackbucks rest in the shade. They are primarily grazers but also feed on fallen leaflets and stems, flowers and fruits when available grass is limited (Jhala, 1997).

Morphological Characteristics The Blackbuck is medium sized antelope with body mass 34-45 kg, head and body length 120–150 cm and shoulder height approximately 70–85cm (Menon, 2014). Sexual dimorphism is prominent. The males are larger and dark brown (nearing to black) on dorsal parts and legs, whereas females tend to be yellowish. Both sexes exhibit white under parts and insides of the legs, and a prominent white circular patch around the eye. Only males have horns; they are almost two third a meter long, ringed at the base and twist spirally up to approximately 4 turns. It was observed at ShNP in 2019 that some females also developed short horns.

2. Behavior Breeding and Dispersal Blackbucks are gregarious and social animals with herds generally ranging from 5 to 50 animals. The herds are harems, with a single adult male and a number of adult females and their young. They are mostly diurnal. They can maintain a speed of 64 km/ hr for up to 24 km with running and galloping (Nocon, 1999).

Blackbuck at ShNP, Photo: Hari Basnet

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Mating occurs throughout the year; however, the rutting activities peak in March–April and August–October. During the rut, the mature male establishes a territory by regularly depositing droppings in particular places. Males are extremely aggressive to other males during breeding season. Females get sexual maturity by the age of 1.5–2 years. The gestation period is about six months. Litter size is generally 1 (rarely 2). The fawn is able to run soon after birth. Parental care and weaning occur approximately for two months. Blackbucks have a life-span of 10– 12 years (Jnawali et al., 2011).

Conservation Status and Threats The Blackbuck is listed as ‘Least Concern’ in IUCN global Red List and ‘Critically Endangered’ in national Red List (IUCN/ SSC,  2017; Amin et al., 2018); and included in the CITES Appendix III (Nepal, Pakistan) and Nepal’s NPWC Act 2073 in Schedule I. Major threats to Blackbuck are, conflict due to crop raiding leading to retaliatory killing, hunting, degradation of grasslands and pastures, disease (foot-and-mouth disease), small isolated population, predation by feral dogs and leopard (in Khairapur) (Amin et al., 2018).

Blackbuck at ShNP, Photo: Sagar Giri

Blackbuck at ShNP, Photo: Sagar Giri

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NILGAI Taxonomic Information Scientific Name English Name Nepali Name

Boselaphus tragocamelus (Pallas, 1766) Nilgai, Bluebull, Bluebuck Nilgai, Bangai, Ghodgadha -gLnufO{, jgufO{, 3f]8uwf_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Nilgai is native to south Asia (Nepal, India and Pakistan) and introduced to Mexico and the United States. It is extinct form Bangladesh (IUCN/SSC, 2016).

2. National Distribution Chesemore (1970) first reported Nilgai from Nepal (Jungle areas near Simara, Birganj in the central; and between Bilauri and Mahendranagar in the far west). Nilgai is recorded from Shuklaphanta, Bardia, Banke, Chitwan and Parsa National Parks;

survey in 2018, they were photographed from 16 locations (36 detections) with detection rate 2.24 per 100 camera trap days (Poudyal et al., 2019). A survey in 2019 counted minimum population of 82 individuals (18 males, 47 females and 17 calves) in the park.

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (Jnawali et al., 2011; BaNP/NTNC-BCP, 2019). Outside the protected area, it is recorded from all Terai districts.

Morphological Characteristics

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta

Nilgai is the largest antelope in Asia (Leslie, 2008). It is a sexually dimorphic with the males blue grey in color with white patch on the throat, have short horns and long,

The Nilgai is distributed across the Shuklaphanta National Park, primarily in peripheral areas. During the camera trapping

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Nilgai, Photo: Chungba Sherpa

bushy hair on the lower part of neck whereas females (and calves) are sandy brown without horns. Both sexes grow small dark colored horns. Average shoulder height of a male is 120–140 cm., body weight 200–288 kg, body length about 2 m and tail length is 45–54 cm (Nowak, 1999; Menon, 2014). Females are smaller than the males.

early in the evening. They rest during the hot midday. However, where persecuted and human-dominated landscape, they are equally active at night. They can survive for long periods without water and do not drink regularly even in summer (Leslie, 2008). An individual can run in a speed up to 48 km/ hour for first 700 m and can jump up to 2.5 m high (Leslie, 2008). They have communal latrine site.

Ecology

Nilgai is polygynous in nature. Both sexes sexually mature by 2–3 years and a male compete with other males after 4 years (Leslie, 2008). Female and male segregates, except during breeding when bull joins the cow. Bulls establish territories and one may mate with 2–10 cows (Nowak, 1999). Mating takes place throughout the year with peak during December to March. The gestation period is 8–9 months and give birth of 1–2 calves. Their life span is 12–13 years in the wild (Leslie, 2008); however, a captive animal was lived up to 21 years in a zoo (Weigl, 2005).

1. Habitat and Food The species is habitat generalist. However, they prefer undulating plains in drier areas and open forests close to cultivated lands but hardly occur in the dense woods. They are herbivores with grazing and browsing variety of plants.

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal They usually live in small groups of 2–18 (Leslie, 2008), but sometimes can be found in larger herds. They are mostly diurnal; feeding till the late morning and again

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Forest Habitat, Photo: Hari Basnet

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(Pakistan). Nilgai or Bluebull is regarded as a sacred animal in Hindu religion. Because they bear the name cow or gai which means to many Hindus their sacred animal cows, some level of protection is afforded. However, conflict with communities (farmers), persecution and hunting are the major threats to Nilgai (Amin et al., 2018).

Conservation Status and Threats The Nilgai is listed as ‘Least Concern’ in IUCN global redlist and ‘Vulnerable' in national Red List (IUCN/SSC, 2016; Amin et al., 2018); and also included in the CITES Appendix III

Nilgai, Photo: Chungba Sherpa

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ORDER: RODENTIA

Rodent species in the World

2,552 (Burgin et al., 2018)

Rodentia Species in Nepal

51 (Amin et al., 2018; Adhikari et al., 2018)

Rodentia Species in ShNP

13

Five-striped Palm Squirrel, Photo: Kaviraj Bohara

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Order

Family

Genus

Scuiridae

Funambulus

Species

pennantii

magnificus Petaurista

petaurista

Vandeleuria

oleracea

Pteromyidae

bengalensis Bandicota

indica

Golunda

RODENTIA

ellioti musculus

Mus

Muridae

booduga pyctoris

Rattus rattus

Hystricidae

Tatera

indica

Hystrix

indica

Characteristics  Rodents have one pair of incisors in each jaw (no canines), teeth lack enamel and grow   

continuously. Rodentia dentition is highly specialized for gnawing. Rodents include a well-developed pterygoid region of the skull (the pterygoid muscles, which originate in this region, participate in the movement of the lower jaw. Clavicles usually present, the feet primitively 5-toed (the pollex often very small), digits 2-5 with claws.

Interesting Facts  Rodents are by far the largest order of mammals in terms of number of species (well  

over 40% of mammalian species belong to the order Rodentia) Almost a quarter of Nepal Mammals belong to Rodentia. The  Capybara is the largest rodent species in the world weighing 35 to 66 kg while Indian Crested Porcupine is the largest rodent species in Nepal.

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FIVE-STRIPED PALM SQUIRREL Taxonomic Information Scientific Name English Name Nepali Name

Funambulus pennantii (Wroughton, 1905) Five-striped Palm Squirrel, Northern Palm Squirrel Panchdharke Lokharke -kf“rws]{ nf]vs]{_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Five-striped Palm Squirrel is occurred up to 4,000 m altitude in Bangladesh, India, Iran, Nepal and Pakistan (Nameer & Molur, 2016).

2. National Distribution Hinton & Fry (1923) were the first to record Five-striped Palm Squirrel from Nepal (at Hetauda). It is recorded in Shuklaphanta, Bardia, Banke, Chitwan and Parsa National Parks and Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

2011). The Five-striped Palm Squirrel has been recorded from central and western part of the Shuklaphanta National Park. An individual was photographed at Shilalekh area (Poudyal et al., 2019) and few are photographed at Malumela, Dudhiya, and Dhaderi.

(Jnawali et al., 2011). Outside the protected area, the species is also recorded from different locations of Nepal including Kathmandu valley and Pokhara (Katuwal et al., 2018). This species is recorded below 1,500 m but mostly occurs in southern Nepal (Baral & Shah, 2008).

Morphological Characteristics Five-striped Palm Squirrel has five alternating stripes of brown-black and yellow color in the dorsal part with a long bushy dark brown tail (Jnawali et al., 2011). The top coat color

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta Mitchell (1979) had collected 2 specimens from Mahendranagar, Kanchanpur (Pearch

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Five-striped Palm Squirrel at ShNP, Photo: Kaviraj Bohara

ranges from grayish brown to almost black, while the head is usually grayish to reddish brown. Ventral part is white, whitish, whitish grey to creamy white in color. Females have two pairs of mammae (Mitchell, 1977). Head and body length of the species measures around 20-30 cm including the tail. The tail alone makes up about 10-15 cm. Hind foot is 3-4 cm and ear is 1.40-1.75 cm. Adult animal’s body mass measures almost 125 grams (Abe, 1971; Mitchell, 1977). Females are smaller than males.

however, gregarious up to 9 individuals forage together in the same tree or in ground (Mitchell, 1977). They are very active animals, spending much of their day foraging for food. They have home range of 1500-2500 m2 (Nowak, 1999). They are usually polygamous; multiple males fight and dominant male mates with the female. The gestation period is 40–45 days with a litter size of 2–4 young. Weaning occurs for 2 months. Breeding occurs 2–3 times a year (Nowak, 1999). They are sexually mature at 8-10 months (Stalder, 2009). Little is known about the longevity of these animals, but one specimen lived 5.1 years in captivity (Weigl, 2005).

Ecology 1. Habitat and Food Five-striped Palm Squirrel occurs in tropical and subtropical dry deciduous forests, grasslands, scrublands and agricultural lands and gardens (Molur et al., 2005). This species is omnivorous. They typically feed on a wide variety of foods including seeds, nuts, buds, young bark, leaves, insects, flowers, and grubs (Nowak, 1999). They have also been known to consume young birds (Stalder, 2009).

Conservation Status and Threats Five-striped Palm Squirrel is listed as ‘Least Concern’ in IUCN Red List – both global and national (Nameer & Molur, 2016; Amin et al., 2018). Habitat loss and poaching for subsistence and pet trade are threats to the squirrel in Nepal (Jnawali et al., 2011). The skin of this squirrel is used in traditional healing (butti, Tantra Mantra) (Thapa et al., 2016).

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal Five-striped Palm Squirrel is arboreal. They live in solitary or pairs (Menon, 2014);

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HODGSON'S GIANT FLYING SQUIRREL Taxonomic Information Scientific Name Synonyms English Name Nepali Name

Petaurista magnificus (Hodgson, 1836) Sciuropterus magnificus (Hodgson, 1836) Hodgson's Giant Flying Squirrel Sundar Rajpankhi Lokharke -;'Gb/ /fhkª\vL nf]vs]{_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Hodgson's Giant Flying Squirrel is limited to south Asia comprising Bhutan, India and Nepal as well as from Myanmar and China. The altitudinal range is 400-3,700 m (Molur, 2016).

2. National Distribution Hodgson (1836) described the Hodgson's Giant Flying Squirrel from central and northern region for the first time in Nepal and it was new to the science. It has been

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta Mitchell (1977) had collected specimen from Mahendranagar, Kanchanpur (Pearch, 2011); however, the distribution of Hodgson's Giant Flying Squirrel in Shuklaphanta National Park is poorly understood.

Morphological Characteristics Hodgson's Giant Flying Squirrel have the mid-dorsal line, ranging from bright yellow in the summer which gradually fades to dull and even unmarked in winter. Generally, in summer, rump, neck and head above are deep maroon colored or less marked by bright yellow to yellow mid-dorsal line, commencing with a broad spot on the forehead. Feet are chestnut or black colored while tail is rufous colored with well-marked black tipped. Females have 3 pairs of mammae (Thapa et al., 2016). The total body length of the species measures around 80-90 cm including head and the tail. The bushy tail alone makes up about 40-50 cm. Hind foot is 7-9 cm and ear is 3-5 cm (Mitchell, 1977).

reported from Shuklaphanta, Rara, Shivapuri Nagarjun, Sagarmatha and Makalu Barun National Parks and Annapurna Conservation Area. Outside the protected area, the species has reported from Kanchanpur, Kaski, Gorkha, Dolakha, Sindhupalchok, Sankhuwasabha Terhathum, and Ilam districts (Ellerman, 1961; Thapa et al., 2016).

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Hodgson's Giant Flying Squirrel, Photo: Aditya Chavan

Adult body mass measures 1-2.5 kg (Nowak, 1999).

leaves in trees which consist ferns, leaves and fine lining grasses which have a round entrance gate (Mitchell, 1977). Females usually breed once a year and give birth to one (sometimes two) offspring during February to March. Generation time for the species is thought to be 7-8 years (Wilson and Reeder, 2005). Very little is known about the longevity of the species but one captive specimen lived 10.7 years (Weigl, 2005). Home range is 5 ha (Hutchins et al., 2003).

Ecology 1. Habitat and Food Hodgson's Giant Flying Squirrel lives in evergreen tropical, subtropical and broad-leaf forests (Molur, 2016). It has been reported from oak-rhododendron forest, montane subtropical forest and prefers deciduous forests (Suwal & Verheugt, 1995). It feeds primarily on conifer cones, fruits, nuts, leaves and branches as well as occasionally insects (Nowak, 1999).

Conservation Status and Threats Hodgson's Giant Flying Squirrel is listed as Least Concern in IUCN global Red List category (Molur, 2016) and Data Deficient in national Red List category (Amin et al., 2018). Habitat loss and degradation due to non-timber plantations (cardamom and tea), small-scale logging, human encroachments, forest fires and hunting for subsistence food are the major threats to this species.

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal Hodgson's Giant Flying Squirrel is nocturnal and arboreal species being found in hollow tree or branches 15-30 m above the ground level (Nowak, 1999). It generally glides 60 to 100 m (Mitchell, 1977); sometimes as far as 450 m (Nowak, 1999). They build nests of

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RED GIANT FLYING SQUIRREL Taxonomic Information Scientific Name Synonym English Name Nepali Name

Petaurista petaurista (Pallas, 1766) Sciurus petaurista (Pallas, 1766) Red Giant Flying Squirrel Rato Rajpankhi Lokharke -/ftf] /fhkª\vL nf]vs]{_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Red Giant Flying Squirrel is widely distributed species in northern south and southeast Asia, at elevations up to 3,100 m (Duckworth, 2016). The countries include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sumatra and Thailand (Molur et al., 2005).

2. National Distribution districts (Suwal & Verheugt, 1995; Jnawali et al., 2011; Thapa et al., 2016).

Blanford (1888-91) reported the Red Giant Flying Squirrel (as Pteromys inornatus) from Kathmandu Valley for the first time in Nepal. It has been reported from Shuklaphanta, Rara, Bardia, Chitwan, Langtang, Shivapuri Nagarjun and Makalu Barun National

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta The distribution of Red Giant Flying Squirrel in Shuklaphanta National Park is poorly understood. Mitchell (1977) had collected specimen from Mahendranagar Kanchanpur.

Morphological Characteristics Red Giant Flying Squirrel has large eyes and chestnut-red body with slender tail which is furred but not bushy, though is a polymorphic species and coloration varies with environment. Compared with other flying squirrels, it is very large; having rounded head and flesh-colored nostrils. Belly is buff, feet are black and furred while the soles are naked. The head-body length of is 32-49 cm while tail length is 38-44 cm (Menon, 2014). The body mass ranges 1.0-2.5 kg (Hutchins et al., 2003). Female is larger than males (Lee et al., 1993).

Parks as well as Annapurna Conservation Area. Outside the protected areas, it is reported from Kanchanpur, Kailali, Banke, Gulmi, Myagdi, Manang, Kathmandu, Ilam, Panchthar, Taplejung and Sankhuwasabha

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Red Giant Flying Squirrel, Photo: Chien C Lee

occur twice a year. They are monogamous, produce 1–2 young per litters in February and August after the gestation of 45 days and wean up to 3-4 months (Hutchins et al., 2003; Wilson and Reeder, 2005; Weigl, 2005). The survival in the wild is unknown but they live up to 16 years in captivity (Newlin & Bradshaw, 1999).

Ecology 1. Habitat and Food Red Giant Flying Squirrel occurs in temperate forests, boreal scrub forests, rocky areas, mountain peaks and plantations. They make their nests in tree cavities of densely forested areas (Duckworth, 2016). They feed mainly pine cones, tree buds, leaves, young branches, various seasonal fruits and berries and occasionally insects (Nowak, 1999).

Conservation Status and Threats Red Giant Flying Squirrel is listed as ‘Least Concern’ in IUCN Red List – both global and national (Duckworth, 2016; Amin et al., 2018). It is threatened by habitat loss as well as poaching for fur and pet trade.

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal Red Giant Flying Squirrel is arboreal solitary and nocturnal. They are good climbers and excellent gliders and glide large distances between trees for feeding. Home range is about 5 hectares. The mating is believed to

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LESSER BANDICOOT RAT Taxonomic Information Scientific Name English Name Nepali Name

Bandicota bengalensis (Gray, 1835) Lesser Bandicoot Rat Sano Dhademuso -;fgf] 9f8]d';f]_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Lesser Bandicoot Rat naturally occurs from Pakistan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Myanmar. It has been introduced to Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Saudi Arabia (Aplin et al., 2016).

2. National Distribution Hinton & Fry (1923) reported the Lesser Bandicoot Rat (as Gunomys bengalensis) from Morang district for the first time in Nepal. It has been recorded from Shuklaphanta, Chitwan and Makalu Barun National Parks, and Annapurna Conservation Area. Moreover, outside the protected areas, it has been recorded from Bara, Makawanpur, Dang, Kathmandu, Ilam and Morang districts (Pearch, 2011; Jnawali et al., 2011).

Morphological Characteristics Lesser Bandicoot Rat is the smallest species of Bandicota. It has a uniform dark tail which is shorter than head-body length, rounded face with a broad muzzle and round pink ears. Dorsal pelage is coarse with long black and cream buff hairs while ventral color is light to dark grey. It has up to 18 mammae; head-body length 14–25 cm and tail length 11–20 cm (Menon, 2014) and weigh up to 265 grams (Rana et al., 2006).

Ecology 1. Habitat and Food Lesser Bandicoot Rat is mainly found below 3,500 m elevation in agricultural landscapes, such as rice paddies, plantations, human settlements, urban areas and secondary habitats such as tropical, subtropical deciduous forests and swamps (Fabre, 2017; Jnawali et al., 2011). The species is omnivorous, main diet contents grasses, seeds, rice, wheat, herbs, and tubers as well as opportunistically eats insects and even mollusks and crabs (Fabre, 2017).

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta The distribution of Lesser Bandicoot Rat in Shuklaphanta National Park is poorly understood.

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2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal

Conservation Status and Threats

Lesser Bandicoot Rat is nocturnal and mostly active at twilight. Its burrow system has a several openings with different chambers inside normally plugged with loose soil outside (Menon, 2014). Their breeding peaks in the dry season. The estrous cycle last 3–5 days. Their gestation lasts 21–25 days producing 10–12 offspring per litter. They get sexually mature at the age of 3 months and live up to 8–9 months (Fabre, 2017).

Lesser Bandicoot Rat is listed as ‘Least Concern’ in IUCN Red List global and national (Aplin et al., 2016; Amin et al., 2018). Little is known about the threats to the species.

Lesser Bandicoot Rat, Photo: Md. Zaber Ansary

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GREATER BANDICOOT RAT Taxonomic Information Scientific Name English Name Nepali Name

Bandicota indica (Bechstein, 1800) Greater Bandicoot Rat Thulo Dhademuso -7'nf] 9f8]d';f]_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Greater Bandicoot Rat is found below 1,500m from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, China, Hongkong, Taiwan, Thailand, Laos, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Vietnam (Aplin et al., 2016).

2. National Distribution Hodgson (1836) was the first to report Greater Bandicoot Rat as Mus (Rattus) nemorivagus from Nepal (in the central region). The Greater

Morphological Characteristics Greater Bandicoot Rat is the largest species of Bandicota. Dorsal pelage is coarse, dark and blackish brown while undersides grey, face more rounded with a broad muzzle and round pink ears (Jnawali et al., 2011; Fabre, 2017). Hind feet are long. Tail is 88% of headbody, long compared with other species of Bandicota. The head-body length is 19–35 cm, tail is 15–28 cm while hind foot is 4–6 cm. The body mass ranges from 375-600 g (Fabre, 2017)

Ecology Bandicoot Rat is distributed across Nepal below 1,500m and documented from Annapurna Conservation Area, Shuklaphanta and Chitwan National Parks and Ilam and Kathmandu districts (Baral & Shah, 2008; Jnawali et al., 2011).

1. Habitat and Food Greater Bandicoot Rat is found in the disturbed habitats, human habitations, wide varieties of agricultural land. It is naturally found in swampy areas, especially in lowland rice fields (Fabre, 2017). It is omnivorous with diet of plant materials, wheat, rice, groundnut, sugarcane and oil palm as well as insects, molluscs, crustaceans and crabs (Jnawali et al., 2011; Fabre, 2017; Shukar et al., 2018).

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta The distribution of Greater Bandicoot Rat in Shuklaphanta National Park is poorly known.

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2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal

Conservation Status and Threats

Greater Bandicoot Rat is terrestrial, fossorial and nocturnal species. It breeds year-round, with higher densities of females in the dry season. It has a gestation period of 23 days (Fabre, 2017). The adult female gives birth to a litter of 8 – 10 pups which mature in 50 – 60 days and can live upto 1 years in the wild (Shukar et al., 2018).

Lesser Bandicoot Rat is listed as ‘Least Concern’ in IUCN Red List – both global and national (Aplin et al., 2016; Amin et al., 2018). No significant threat has been identified to the species.

Greater Bandicot Rat, Photo: Sunny Josef

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INDIAN BUSH-RAT Taxonomic Information Scientific Name English Name Nepali Name

Golunda ellioti (Gray, 1837) Indian Bush-rat Jhadi Muso -´f8L d';f]_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Indian Bush-rat has a wide distribution ranging from Iran to India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka (Molur & Nameer, 2016).

2. National Distribution Hodgson (1845) was the first to record the Indian Bush-rat (as Mus myothrix) from Nepal (the central region). The species is reported from Shuklaphanta, Bardia, Chitwan, Parsa National Parks and Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. Outside the protected area, it has been recorded from Kathmandu district (Jnawali et al., 2011; Pearch, 2011).

and yellow-grey below. Head is rounded, vole-like with large eyes and a blunt nose. Unique characteristics of the species are its naked and black hind feet soles (Jnawali et al., 2011; Menon, 2014). The species has head body length 9.7–16 cm, tail length is 7.4 –13 cm, ear 1.1-1.8 cm, hind foot 2-2.8 cm while weight 63-112 gm (Taylor, 2017).

Ecology 1. Habitat and Food Indian Bush-rat has been recorded below 1300 m (Molur and Nameer, 2016) in tropical dry deciduous, dry wood, tropical thorn forests and grassy clumps. They also occur in cultivated lands, bushes, orchards, scrublands, grasslands close to streams except cold deserts (Jnawali et al., 2011). It is a partially diurnal, fossorial (also terrestrial), semi-arboreal and herbivorous species (Molur  et al., 2005). It feeds on the grass stems and roots, seeds, barriers, young shoots, buds, blossoms of coffee buds and citrus fruit in orchids (Taylor, 2017).

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta The distribution of Indian Bush-rat in Shuklaphanta National Park is poorly known.

Morphological Characteristics Indian Bush-rat is the red-brown rodent. They have long tail which is brown above

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2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal

Conservation Status and Threats

Indian Bush-rat is arboreal as well as terrestrial by nature. It breeds year-round, with litter size from 4-11 (Taylor, 2017).

Indian Bush-rat Rat is listed as ‘Least Concern’ in IUCN Red List – both global and national (Molur & Nameer, 2016; Amin et al., 2018). This can be a serious agricultural pest species with risk of persecution (Corbet and Hill, 1992). Little is known about their other threats.

Indian Bush Rat, Photo: Ansil B. R.

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LITTLE INDIAN FIELD MOUSE Taxonomic Information Scientific Name English Name Nepali Name

Mus booduga (Gray, 1837) Little Indian Field Mouse Sano Khet Muso -;fgf] v]t d';f]_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution The Little Indian Field Mouse has been recorded widely in India, Sri Lanka, eastern Pakistan, southern Nepal, Bangladesh and central Myanmar (Aplin et al., 2016).

2. National Distribution Chesemore (1970) was the first to record Little Indian Field Mouse from Nepal (at Singaul, Birganj). The species is widely distributed

Morphological Characteristics Little Indian Field Mouse is one of the smallest mice (Chaudhary & Tripathi, 2018). Upper part is glossy light brown while ventral surface is grayish or white. It differs most markedly in its white underparts and lower limbs. Large rounded ears, large eyes and muzzle are more pointed than House Mouse. The head-body length is 5.6–6.3 cm, tail is 5.5-7.5 cm, ear is 1.1-1.3 cm, hindfoot is 1.4-1.6 cm and weight is 10–15 gm (Denys, 2017)

Ecology

across Nepal and has been recorded from Shuklaphanta and Bardia National Parks and Ilam district (Jnawali et al., 2011).

1. Habitat and Food The Little Indian Field Mouse occurs in tropical, subtropical dry deciduous forests and agricultural fields (Jnawali et al., 2011) but never recorded inside the houses (Denys, 2017). The species is partly vegetarian, feeds on seeds and crops and is considered as agricultural pest species (Denys, 2017).

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta Mitchell (1977) had collected specimen from Mahendranagar, Kanchanpur (Pearch, 2011); however, the distribution of Little Indian Field Mouse in Shuklaphanta National Park is poorly known.

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2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal

Conservation Status and Threats

Little Indian Field Mouse is nocturnal and terrestrial. Reproduction occurs throughout the year with 4–8 offspring per litter (Denys, 2017). Their average lifespan is 2 years.

Little Indian Field Mouse is listed as ‘Least Concern’ in IUCN Red List -both global and national (Aplin et al., 2016; Amin et al., 2018). Persecution as a pest species is the major threat to the Little Indian Field Mouse.

Little Indian Field Mouse, Photo: Ansil B. R.

Little Indian Field Mouse, Photo: Anonymous

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HOUSE MOUSE Taxonomic Information Scientific Name Synonyms English Name Nepali Name

Mus musculus (Linnaeus, 1758) Mus abbotti (Waterhouse, 1837), Mus domesticus (Rutty, 1772) House Mouse Dukure Gharmuso -8's'/] 3/d';f]_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution The House Mouse has been widespread over all continents, except Antarctica, and has become established in north and south America, sub-Saharan Africa, Australia, and many oceanic islands (Musser et al., 2016).

2. National Distribution Hodgson (1841) was the first to record House Mouse (as Musculus nipalensis) from Nepal. The species is widely distributed across Nepal and recorded from all the protected areas. Outside the protected area, it has been

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta The distribution of House Mouse in Shuklaphanta National Park is very little known.

Morphological Characteristics House Mouse is a medium sized mus species. It has uniform greyish brown dorsal and paler ventral pelage. Tail is as long as head and body and having circular rows of scales. The species has head-body 7-10.3 cm, tail 6.7-10.4 cm, ear 1.2-1.7 cm, hind foot 1.2-2 cm and weight 12-39 gm (Ballenger, 1999; Denys, 2017).

Ecology documented from Bhaktapur, Dang, Dolakha, Dhankuta, Gulmi, Gorkha, Ilam, Jumla, Kailali, Lalitpur, Makwanpur, Mugu, Nuwakot, Ramechhap, Sankhuwasabha, Sindhuli, Sindhupalchok, Solukhumbu, Kathmandu, Kavrepalanchok and Terhathum districts (Jnawali et al., 2011; Pearch, 2011).

1. Habitat and Food House Mouse generally lives in close human association. They occur in the houses, barns, granaries, cultivated fields etc. The species is omnivorous with insectivores. In the human settlement, it consumes any human food that is accessible including plant matter, such as seeds, fleshy roots, leaves, stems and insects

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(Ballenger, 1999; Jnawali et al., 2011; Denys, 2017).

Conservation Status and Threats

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal

House Mouse is listed as ‘Least Concern’ in IUCN Red List -both global and national (Musser et al., 2016; Amin et al., 2018). It is one of the most widespread pests. No specific threats have been identified for this species.

The House Mouse are terrestrial and crepuscular and nocturnal. They are generally considered both territorial and colonial when living commensally with humans. They can breed throughout the year producing several litters per annum with litter size 2–13. The gestation is 20-25 days (Denys, 2017). In the wild, reproduction peaks in the springs. Its lifespan is about 1–1.5 years (Ballenger, 1999).

House Mouse, Photo: Davide

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TURKESTAN RAT Taxonomic Information Scientific Name Synonyms English Name Nepali Name

Rattus pyctoris (Hodgson, 1845) Rattus rattoides, Rattus turkestanicus Turkestan Rat, Himalayan Rat Turkistane Muso -t'ls{:tfg] d';f]_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Turkestan Rat is a widespread species occurring in China, and extending west through northern Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, north to Tajikistan, eastern Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, south-eastern Kazakhstan, northern and eastern Afghanistan, and east-central Iran. The species is found up to 4,250 m (Smith & Johnston, 2016).

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta

2. National Distribution

The distribution of Turkistan Rat in Shuklaphanta National Park is not well understood. During camera trap survey in 2018, it was photographed from single location (3 detections) in the northern part of buffer zone with detection rate 0.19 per 100 trap days (Poudyal et al., 2019).

Hodgson (1845) was the first to describe Turkestan Rat (as Mus? Pyctoris) from

Morphological Characteristics Turkestan Rat has shaggy brown fur with pure white ventral side and wide rostrum.

Nepal (in the central region). The species is widespread in Nepal and occurs within the protected areas: Shuklaphanta, SheyPhoksundo, Langtang, Shivapuri Nagarjun and Sagarmatha National Parks as well as from Annapurna Conservation Area and Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve (Jnawali et al., 2011; Poudyal et al., 2019)

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Tail is bicolored and longer than head and body length. Dorsal is greyish brown with reddish hue, becoming paler on sides while ventral is yellowish white with creamy tipped hair and gray underfur can be patchily on the chest and throat. Ventral pelage is sharply demarcated from dorsal pelage.

ripening rice crops, bananas and oranges (Burgain, 2017). The Turkestan Rat occurs in montane habitats and rocky areas such as inland cliffs, mountain peaks and cultivated lands.

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal

The species has head and body 14-21.5 cm, tail 13.5-21.3 cm, ear 1.9-2.5 cm, hindfoot 3.1-3.8 cm and weight 140-240 gm (Burgain, 2017).

The species is nocturnal, terrestrial and build nest in the high ground coverage. Breeding peaks in March-May and August-October (Burgain, 2017).

Ecology

Conservation Status and Threats

1. Habitat and Food

Turkestan Rat is listed as ‘Least Concern’ in IUCN Red List -both global and national (Smith & Johnston, 2016; Amin et al., 2018). There are no major threats to this widespread and adaptable species.

Turkestan Rat occurs in montane habitats, rocky areas such as, inland cliffs, mountain peaks, cultivated lands and often near residential areas (Jnawali et al., 2011; Burgain, 2017). The species eats early

Turkestan Rat at ShNP, Photo: ShNP

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HOUSE RAT Taxonomic Information Scientific Name English Name Nepali Name

Rattus rattus (Linnaeus, 1758) House Rat, Roof Rat, Black Rat Ghar Muso -3/ d';f]_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution House Rat is native to India, Nepal and Pakistan; and introduced worldwide (Krystufek et al., 2016).

2. National Distribution The species was first recorded by Hodgson (1934) as Mus rattus. This species is widespread across Nepal. It occurs in Shuklaphanta, Bardia, Parsa, Langtang, Makalu Barun, Sagarmatha and Shivapuri Nargarjun National Parks as well as Annapurna Conservation Area. The districts include Bhaktapur, Ilam, Kaski, Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Myagdi, Nawalparasi, Nuwakot, Sankhuwasabha and Sindhupalchok (Jnawali et al., 2011; Pearch, 2011).

Morphological Characteristics House Rat is a medium sized rat with dark brown color. It has a relatively larger ear and a longer tail. The tail seems always longer than the body. The tail is 95-120% of headbody length, naked; unicolored, ranging from pale pinkish or whitish brown or dark black and covered with scales. The species has head-body 11.6-20.3 cm, tail length of 15.925.6 cm, ear 2.1-2.8 cm, hindfoot 2.6-3.6 while weight of 120-280 gm (Fabre, 2017).

Ecology 1. Habitat and Food The House Rat is highly adaptable and found in almost all habitats except cold deserts. It often lives in top floors of buildings in populated areas or trees in forested areas. The species extremely generalist omnivores and eat seeds, vegetable, fruit, arthropods and other invertebrates, carrion, eggs of birds and reptiles and human trash (Fabre, 2017).

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta The distribution of House Rat in Shuklaphanta National Park is very little known. Mitchell (1977) had collected specimen from Kanchanpur.

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal House Rat is primarily nocturnal and polygynous; living in social group having

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of multiple males and multiple females. They build nests of sticks and leaves, and sometimes locate nests in burrows. They often use their climbing abilities to make a nest in upper floors of buildings and tree canopies. These animals exhibit many destructive behaviors. They eat, destroy and contaminate human food sources. This is a pest animal (Nowak, 1999). Reproduction occurs year round. The gestation period is usually 22 days and litter size approximately 5–7. Females become sexually mature at approximately 3 months. Weaning occurs

between 20 and 30 days. They are sexually mature at 3–5 months (Hutchins et al., 2003). The life span is 1–2 years in the wild while almost 4 years in captivity (Nowak, 1999).

Conservation Status and Threats House Rat is listed as ‘Least concern’ in IUCN Red List -both national and global (Krystufek et al., 2016; Amin et al., 2018). This is considered as a pest species in Nepal.

House Rat, Photo: Thio Hb

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ASIATIC LONG-TAILED CLIMBING MOUSE Taxonomic Information Scientific Name English Name Nepali Name

Vandeleuria oleracea (Bennett, 1832) Asiatic Long-tailed Climbing Mouse Lampuchchre Rukhmuso, Lampuchchre Muso -nfdk'5«] ?vd';f], nfdk'5«] d';f]_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Asiatic Long-tailed Climbing Mouse is widespread in south Asia, southern China and mainland southeast Asia. It is distributed up to 1,500 m (Aplin & Molur, 2017).

2. National Distribution The species was first recorded by Hodgson (1842) as Mus dumecolus. Asiatic Longtailed Climbing Mouse is widespread within the Terai protected areas and documented from the districts of Kathmandu and Sindhupalchok (Jnawali et al., 2011, Pearch, 2011).

Morphological Characteristics It is small, with flat nail on the outer finger and outer toes, tail is slender, brown, twice as long as head-body length and lack of distal tuft. Dorsal pelage is silky and salmon in color, venter is white, with fulvous hues. The species has head-body 6.8 cm, tail 10.5 cm, hindfoot 1.7 cm and weight of 10g (Fabre, 2017).

Ecology 1. Habitat and Food Asiatic Long-tailed Climbing Mouse occurs in the primary and secondary forest such as bamboo forest, moist deciduous forest and agricultural land. They eat fruit buds and flowers (Fabre, 2017).

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal

The distribution of Asiatic Long-tailed Climbing Mouse in Shuklaphanta National Park is very poorly known.

Asiatic Long-tailed Climbing Mouse is arboreal and nocturnal. It builds its nest high up in the branches of trees or in the tree holes. Litter size is 3-6 young (Fabre, 2017).

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Conservation Status and Threats Asiatic Long-tailed Climbing Mouse is listed as ‘Least concern’ in IUCN Red List –both global and national (Aplin & Molur, 2017, Amin et al., 2018). The threats of the species are not studied.

Asiatic Long-tailed Climbing Mouse, Photo: Hari Basnet

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INDIAN GERBIL Taxonomic Information Scientific Name English Name Nepali Name

Tatera indica (Hardwicke, 1807) Indian Gerbil Uphrine Muso -plk|mg] d';f]_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Indian Gerbil ranges from the east, through the north of the Arabian Peninsula and Iran to most of south Asia. It has been recorded from southeastern Turkey, eastern Syria, Kuwait and Iraq, ranging through much of central and southern Iran to Pakistan and Afghanistan, throughout India, Nepal and Sri Lanka (Kryštufek et al., 2017).

2. National Distribution

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta

Hinton & Fry (1923) were the first to record Indian Gerbil (as Tatera indica) from Nepal (at Bairia & Hazaria). It is distributed across

The distribution of Indian Gerbil in Shuklaphanta National Park is not studied.

Morphological Characteristics It has dorsal pelage buff brown to grey and white ventral pelage. Tail is black, equal to or slightly shorter than head-body and has small pencil of dark hairs at tip. Soles of hind feet are naked (Denys, 2017). The head-body length is 14.3–21 cm, and tail length is 15.219.8 cm, ear is 2.1-3.1 cm, hindfoot is 3.45.9 cm while weight is 150-270 gm (Denys, 2017).

Ecology 1. Habitat and Food

the southern border of Nepal and present within the protected areas of Shuklaphanta, Bardia, Chitwan National Parks and Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. It is also documented from Banke, Dang, Kailali, Nawalparasi and Rautahat districts (Jnawali et al., 2011; Pearch, 2011).

Indian Gerbil occurs in a wide variety of habitats from dry grassland, forests, cultivated land and settlements. It is omnivorous and water dependent. It feeds on grasses, leaves, roots, and grains along with grubs, insects, and nestling ground birds (Denys, 2017).

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Conservation Status and Threats

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal Indian Gerbil is nocturnal and very territorial animal. Due to its aggressive territorial instincts, it can turn cannibalistic and juveniles often fall prey to such attacks from adults (Prater, 1980). Breeding seems to occur throughout the year. They reach sexual maturity as early as 70 days. The gestation period ranges from 22 to 23 days, with litter size ranging from 1 to 10 young (Denys, 2017). A captive Indian Gerbil lived for 7 years (Jones, 1982).

Indian Gerbil is listed as ‘Least Concern’ in IUCN Red List -both national and global (Kryštufek et al., 2017; Amin et al., 2018). The threats of the species are unknown.

Indian Gerbil, Photo: Indigo Taylor-Noguera

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INDIAN CRESTED PORCUPINE Taxonomic Information Scientific Name English Name Nepali Name

Hystrix indica (Kerr, 1792) Indian Crested Porcupine Jure Dumsi -h'/] b'D;L_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution Indian Crested Porcupine is native to eastern Europe, middleeast and south Asia. They are extant in Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, China, Georgia, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Yemen (Amori et al., 2016).

2. National Distribution 3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta

The species was first recorded by Hodgson (1834) as Hystrix leucurus. Indian Crested

Indian Crested Porcupine is widely distributed in Shuklaphanta National Park. During camera trapping survey in 2018, it was recorded from 58 locations with 66 detections and 4.11 detection rate per 100 trap days (Poudyal et al., 2019).

Porcupine is distributed up to 2,000 m. It is documented in Shuklaphanta, Bardia, Banke, Chitwan and Parsa National Parks. Outside the protected area, the species is widespread in the district of lowland & midhills and reported from Bajhang, Bajura, Banke, Bardia, Chitwan, Doti, Kailali district (Jnawali et al., 2011).

Morphological Characteristics Indian Crested Porcupine is largest rodent species in Nepal. Head and body length measures around 45–93 cm and the tail measures 6-17 cm, ear 4-4.7 cm hind foots 9.5-10.4 cm while the species weight 8-27 kg

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Indian-crested Porcupine, Photo: Janetand Phil

(Berthelmess, 2016). The species has erectile crest of coarse brown bristles exceeding 30 cm in length, occurring posteriorly from top of the shoulders. It has small white patch on throat. The hair is highly modified to form multiple layers of 30-40 cm long white and brown defensive quills. Each quills have two or more alternatives white and brown quills along its length. Forearm and hindfoot are broad and well developed for digging purposes (Berthelmess, 2016).

of habitats which include rocky hillsides, shrub-lands, grasslands, forests, agricultural lands, scrub and light open forests close to cultivation and human habitations (Gurung and Singh, 1996; Jnawali et al., 2011). It is generalist forager and eats cultivated and wild plants. The main food sources are vegetable material of all kinds, including fruits, grains, and roots. Moreover species do feed on the maize, potato, sugarcane etc. They are also known to chew on bones to meet their minerals need for growing spines (Prater, 1965; Berthelmess, 2016).

Ecology 1. Habitat and Food

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal

This porcupine is a ground dwelling and burrowing species. It occurs in a variety

Indian Crested Porcupine is strictly nocturnal. The species live in caves, between rocks

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Indian Crested Porcupine at ShNP, Photo: ShNP

Indian Crested Porcupine at ShNP, Photo: ShNP

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and in its burrow during the day time. The burrow is usually self-constructed, with a long entrance tunnel, multiple exits and a large inner chamber (Prater, 1965; Gurung & Singh, 1996). When irritated or alarmed, the Indian porcupine raises its quills and rattles; if the disturbance continues, it launches the quills to enemy. The quill spines go deep into the enemy, often leading to severe injury or death of enemy (Ellerman, 1961).

(may continue living in the den until they are sexually mature at 2 years), during which both parents care for them. Weaning occurs till 13–19 weeks (Van, 1985). Life span of Indian Crested Porcupine is unknown in the wild; recorded up to 27 years in captivity (Weigl, 2005)

The Indian Crested Porcupine is usually monogamous, with both parents being found in the burrow with their offspring throughout the year. Gestation period is approximately 240 days with a litter size of 2-4 offspring (Gurung & Singh, 1996). The new born porcupines live in a den for about a year

Indian Crested Porcupine is listed as ‘Least Concern’ in IUCN Red List global and Data Deficient in national (Amori et al., 2016; Amin et al., 2018). Threats for the porcupine are hunting for subsistence food and persecution as agricultural pests. They may be killed for obtaining quills for various purposes.

Conservation Status and Threats

Indian Crested Porcupine, Photo: Alen Jbo

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ORDER: LAGOMORPHA

Lagomorpha species in the World

98 (Burgin et al., 2018)

Lagomorpha Species in Nepal

10 (Amin et al., 2018)

Lagomorpha Species in ShNP

2

Indian Hare, Photo: Gyan Chandra Gyani

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Order

Family

LAGOMORPHA

Leporidae

Genus

Species

Lepus

nigricollis

Caprolagus

hispidus

Characteristics of Lagomorpha  Lagomorphs have a pair of incisors in each quadrant of the upper jaw, one large and 



rodent-like, and the other a small peg located immediately behind the larger tooth. All lagomorphs are strictly herbivores and their feces production is unique among other mammals, they produced two kinds of  feces—solid round droppings and soft black grease like pellets. Testes lie in front of the penis as in marsupial animals.

Facts  Lagomorphs are the most interesting coprophagy (an animal eating excrement—both 

their own and that of others) animals. Lagomorphs are among the most intensely hunted mammal species. They serve as prey for a wide variety of predator species around the world.

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INDIAN HARE Taxonomic Information Scientific Name English Name Nepali Name

Lepus nigricollis (F. Cuvier, 1823) Indian Hare, Black-naped Hare Khairo Kharayo -v}/f] v/fof]_

Distribution 1. Global Distribution The Indian Hare is distributed throughout India, eastern Pakistan, southern Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Indonesia (Nameer & Smith, 2019). This species can be found at elevations ranging from 50-4,500 m (Molur et al., 2005).

2. National Distribution Indian Hare is native to Nepal and first reported by Hodgson (1842) as Lepus macrotus. It is distributed throughout Nepal, up to an elevation of 2,500 m (Jnawali et al., 2011).

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta Oliver (1985) and Bell (1986) had reported the Indian Hare from Pipariya. It is distributed across Shuklaphanta National Park. During camera trapping survey in 2018, it was recorded from 32 locations with 240 detections and 14.95 detection rate per 100 trap days (Poudyal et al., 2019). Mitchell (1977) had collected speciment from Mahendranagar, Kanchanpur.

The species is recorded from all lowland protected areas. It is also documented from Banke, Bara, Bardia, Bhaktapur, Chitwan, Dang, Dhading, Dhankuta, Dhanusa, Gorkha, Gulmi, Kailali, Kanchanpur, Doti, Kapilvastu , Kaski, Kathmandu, Makwanpur, Nawalparasi, Nuwakot, Palpa, Parbat, Parsa, Rautahat, Saptari, Tanahun, Ilam, Panchthar, Sankhuwasabha and Taplejung districts (Suwal & Verheugt,1995; BaNP/NTNC-BCP, 2019; Pearch, 2011).

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Braun & Hacklander, 2016). They are territorial animal having a home range up to 10 ha (Menon, 2014); but the average home range is 1 ha (Caravaggi, 2018). It is polygynous; reproduction peaks during the wet season, though they generally breed year round (Lundrigan & Foote, 2003). One to eight young (Average 1.76) are born after a gestation period of 36 days (Caravaggi, 2018). The average lifespan is 5 years in the wild, however, live up to 7 years in captivity (Lundrigan & Foote, 2003).

Morphological Characteristics The Indian Hare is reddish-brown with black hair mixed throughout its face and dorsal part. Patch of black fur runs along the nape. The top of the tail is black. The underparts are white. Its head-body length is 33–53 cm, total length 40–70 cm, tail 1–9 cm, ear 10–12 cm and weight 1.5–3.6 kg (Lundrigan & Foote, 2003; Menon, 2014; Shai-Braun & Hacklander, 2016).

Ecology Conservation Status and Threats

1. Habitat and Food The Indian Hare is found in a wide variety of habitats such as grasslands, barren agricultural fields, crop fields, overgrazed forest (Nameer & Smith, 2019). They are herbivorous, eating a variety of grasses and herbs including crops and germinating seeds (Lundrigan & Foote, 2003).

Indian Hare is listed as 'Least Concern' globally as well as nationally in IUCN Red List categories (Amin et al., 2018; Nameer & Smith, 2019). It is hunted intensively by locals for meat. Habitat loss due to overgrazing, competition from livestock, forest fires and persecution as a pest species are the major threats to the species.

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal The Indian Hare is crepuscular to nocturnal, and solitary as well as shy animal (Shai-

Indian Hare, Photo: Gyan Chandra Gyani

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HISPID HARE Taxonomic Information Scientific Name English Name Nepali Name

Caprolagus hispidus (Pearson, 1839) Hispid Hare Laghukarna Kharayo -n3's0f{ v/fof]_

Distribution 1 Global Distribution The historic range of the Hispid Hare extended along the Himalayan foothill region from Uttar Pradesh through southern Nepal, the northern region of West Bengal up to Assam, and into Bangladesh. The current distribution in South Asia is sporadic, including the countries of Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Bhutan (Aryal & Yadav, 2019).

2. National Distribution

3. Distribution in Shuklaphanta

Brian H. Hodgson collected 3 skins with skulls in 1847 from sal forests and this was reported by Gray (1863) as Lepus (Caprolagus) hispidus. Hispid Hare has been recorded from Shuklaphanta, Bardia and Chitwan National Parks (Jnawali et al., 2011).

Seven specimens (4 male and 3 female) were collected in Shuklaphanta grassland in January- February 1986 from marshy and tall grassland near by a small stream (Bell, 1986). Hispid Hare was photographed during camera trap surveys in 2010 (Aryal, 2010) and in 2016 (Poudyal et al., 2019). It has been reported from Suklaphanta grassland (including Silalekh and 24 no. pillar), Barkaula Phanta, Singhpur Phanta, Dhaknaghat, Piparia, Hirapur Phanta and Ranital areas (Yadav et al., 2008; Aryal et al 2012; Chand et al., 2017).

In Bardia National Park, it was recorded from Babai valley and in Chitwan National Park, it was recorded from Sukhibhar grassland (Tandan et al., 2013; Khadka et al., 2017). The species is found generally below 250 m elevation (Shai-Braun and Hacklander, 2016)

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grassland are subjected to extensive, regular burning. During such burning. hares shelter on any cover left unburnt e.g. marshy sward and moist riverine areas (Bell et al., 1990).

Morphological Characteristics Hispid Hare have two layers of fur; coarse, bristly coat is dark brown intermixed with black and brown hairs while ventrally brown on the chest and whitish belly (Knoth, 2004). Tail is short and brown through out but paler below (Shai-Braun and Hacklander, 2016). Short, broad and more rounded ears and small eyes. Hind legs not often exceeding the length of the forelimbs, smaller than the Indian Hare with body mass 1.8–2.6 kg (male); the female is heavier than the male (Bell et al., 1990). The tail also has two layers of pelage, both of which are brown; the top layer is darkest. Head body length is 40-50 cm, tail length 4-5 cm, ear length 7 cm and hindfoot 9.8 cm (Menon, 2014, Shai-Braun and Hacklander, 2016).

2. Behavior, Breeding and Dispersal Hispid Hare is solitary (or lives in pairs), nocturnal and crepuscular (Menon, 2014). The limited information available on reproduction. It breeds once or twice a year; 2 to 5 young (average 3.46) are born after a gestation period of 40 days (Caravaggi, 2018).

Conservation Status and Threats Hispid Hare is listed as ‘Endangered’ in both global and national IUCN Red List (Amin at al., 2018; Aryal & Yadav, 2019). In Nepal, it is also listed in schedule I (protected) in NPWC Act. Although it is recorded within the protected areas only; uncontrolled, continuous and extensive grassland burning during the dry season is a threat. Moreover, Habitat loss and fragmentation due to grassland succession and overgrazing are other major threats (Amin et al., 2018)

Ecology 1. Habitat and Food Hispid Hares live in tall-grass savannah. They prefer flat, well drained, grasslands and sparse forests. Hispid Hare consume about 20 species of plant, but concentrate their diet on ‘Kans’ (Saccharum spontaneum) and ‘Siru’ (Imperata cylindrica) (Aryal  et al., 2012). During the dry-season, most of the

Hispid Hare at ShNP, Photo: Vikram Tiwari

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Swamp Deer at ShNP, Photo: Sagar Giri

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INDEX OF ENGLISH NAMES

Badger, Honey 11, 62 Barasingha 12, 122 Bat, Greater Asiatic Yellow House 10, 36 Greater Short-nosed Fruit 10, 32 Lesser Asiatic Yellow House 9 Painted 10, 34 Painted Woolly 34 Bear, Sloth 10, 54 Blackbuck 12, 129 Bluebuck 132 Bluebull 132 Boar, Wild 12, 112 Cat, Fishing 11, 94 Jungle 11, 90 Leopard 11, 92 Rusty-spotted 11, 96 Toddy 66 Chital, 120 Civet, Asian Palm 11, 66 Common Palm 66 Gem-faced 64 Himalayan Palm 64 Large Indian 11, 68 Masked Palm 11, 64 Mentawai Palm 66 Oriental 70 Small Indian 11, 70 Deer, Barking 114 Hog 12, 118 Sambar 12, 126 Spotted 12, 120 Swamp 122 Dhole 50 Dog, Asiatic Wild 10, 50 Elephant, Asian 11, 100 Fox, Bengal 10, 52 Indian 52 Indian Flying 10, 30 Gerbil, Indian 13, 160 Hare, Black-naped 168 Hispid 13, 170 Indian 13, 168 Hyaena, Striped 11, 80 Jackal, Asiatic Golden 10, 48 Golden 48

Langur, Hanuman 42 Terai Gray 10, 42 Leopard, Common 11, 86 Macaque, Rhesus 40 Marten, Yellow-throated 11, 60 Mongoose, Crab-eating 11, 74 Indian Grey 11, 72 Ruddy 11, 76 Small Indian 11, 78 Monkey, Rhesus 10, 40 Mouse, Asiatic Long-tailed Climbing 13, 158 Brown Spiny 9 Earth-coloured 9 House 13, 152 Little Indian Field 12, 150 Muntjac, Northern Red 12, 144 Nilgai 12, 132 Otter, Eurasian 9 Smooth-coated 10, 58 Pangolin, Chinese 10, 20 Indian 10, 18 Pig, Wild 112 Porcupine, Indian Crested 13, 162 Rat, Black 156 Greater Bandicoot 12, 146 Himalayan 154 House 13, 156 Indian Bush 12, 148 Lesser Bandicoot 12, 144 Roof 156 Turkestan 154 Ratel 62 Rhinoceros, Greater One-horned 12, 106 Shrew, Asian House 26 House 10, 26 Grey 9 Musk 26 Squirrel, Five-striped Palm 12, 138 Hodgson's Giant Flying 12, 140 Northern Palm 138 Particoloured Flying 9 Red Giant Flying 12, 142 Tiger, Bengal 11, 82

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INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES

Herpestes urva 11, 74 Hyaena hyaena 11, 80 Hylopetes alboniger 9 Hystrix indica 13, 162 Hystrix leucurus 162 Kerivoula picta 10, 34 Lamprogale flavigula 60 Lepus hispidus 170 Lepus macrotus 168 Lepus nigricollis 13 Lutra lutra 9 Lutra perspicillata 58 Lutra tarayensis 58 Lutrogale perspicillata 10, 58 Lynchus erythrotus 90 Macaca mulatta 10, 40 Macacus oinops 40 Mangusta auropunctata 78 Mangusta nyula 72 Manis auritus 20 Manis crassicaudata 10, 48 Manis pentadactyla 10, 20 Martes flavigula 11, 60 Mellivora capensis 11, 62 Melursus ursinus 10, 54 Muntiacus vaginalis 12, 114 Mus abbotti 152 Mus booduga 12, 150 Mus domesticus 152 Mus dumecolus 158 Mus musculus 13, 152 Mus myothrix 148 Mus nemorivagus 146 Mus pyctoris 154 Mus rattus 156 Mus saxicola 9 Mus terricolor 9 Musculus nipalensis 152 Nycticejus luteus 36 Paguma larvata 11, 64 Panthera Pardus 11, 86 Panthera tigris 11, 82

Antilope cervicapra 12, 129 Axis axis 12, 120 Axis porcinus 12, 118 Bandicota bengalensis 12, 144 Bandicota indica 12, 146 Boselaphus tragocamelus 12, 132 Bradypus ursinus 54 Canis alpinus 50 Canis aureus 10, 48 Canis hyaena 80 Canis primaevus 50 Caprolagus hispidus 13, 170 Cervus axis 120 Cervus bahrainja 112 Cervus duvaucelii 122 Cervus jarai 126 Cervus porcinus 118 Cervus ratwa 114 Cervus unicolor 126 Charronia flavigula 60 Civetta indica 70 Crocidura attenuata 9 Cuon alpinus 10, 50 Cynopterus marginatus 32 Cynopterus sphinx 10, 32 Elephas indicus 100 Elephas maximus 11, 100 Felis chaus 11, 90 Felis pardus 86 Felis tigris 82 Felis viverriceps 94 Felis viverrina 94 Funambulus pennantii 12, 138 Golunda ellioti 12, 148 Gulo larvatus 64 Gulo urva 74 Gunomys bengalensis 144 Herpestes auropunctatus 11, 78 Herpestes edwardsii 11, 72 Herpestes javanicus 78 Herpestes palustris 78 Herpestes smithii 11, 76

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Vespertilio belangeri 36 Vespertilio pictus 34 Vespertilionis pictum 34 Viverra capensis 62 Viverra hermaphrodita 66 Viverra indica 70 Viverra tainguensis 68 Viverra undulata 68 Viverra zibetha 11, 68 Viverricula indica 11, 70 Viverricula malaccensis 70 Vulpes bengalensis 10, 52

Paradoxurus hermaphroditus 11, 66 Paradoxurus hirsutus 66 Paradoxurus lignicolor 66 Paradoxurus musangus 66 Paradoxurus nipalensis 64 Paradoxurus philippinensis 66 Petaurista magnificus 12, 140 Petaurista petaurista 12, 142 Prionailurus bengalensis 11, 92 Prionailurus rubiginosus 11, 96 Prionailurus viverrinus 11, 94 Pteromys inornatus 142 Pteropus giganteus 10, 30 Pteropus leucocephalus 30 Rattus pyctoris 13, 154 Rattus rattoides 154 Rattus rattus 13, 156 Rattus turkestanicus 154 Rhinoceros indicus 106 Rhinoceros unicornis 12, 106 Rucervus duvaucelii 12, 122 Rusa unicolor 12, 126 Sciuropterus magnificus 140 Sciurus petaurista 142 Scotophilus heathi 36 Scotophilus heathii 10, 36 Scotophilus kuhlii 9 Semnopithecus entellus 42 Semnopithecus hector 10, 42 Semnopithecus schistaceus 42 Sorex murinus 26 Sorex nemorivagus 26 Sorex soccatus 26 Suncus murinus 10, 26 Sus aper 112 Sus scrofa 12, 112 Tatera indica 13, 160 Urva auropunctata 78 Urva edwardsii 72 Urva smithii 76 Urva urva 74 Vandeleuria oleracea 13, 158

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About the Authors

Laxman Prasad Poudyal

holds an MSc in Natural Resource Management and Rural Development. He worked in the protected areas of Nepal including Terai region to mid hills and high mountains; and currently plays the role of Chief Warden at the Shuklaphanta National Park where he had performed as a Park Ranger during 1994-1998. Email: [email protected]

Babu Ram Lamichhane

holds a PhD in large carnivores, is a conservation biologist with interest in large mammals and their interactions with humans. He works as Office In-Charge of the Biodiversity Conservation Center, Chitwan under the National Trust for Nature Conservation, Nepal. Email: [email protected]

Hem Sagar Baral has been involved in wildlife conservation for over three decades and received a PhD in 2001 from the University of Amsterdam for his work on ecology of lowland grassland birds in late 1990s. He currently works as the Country Representative of ZSL's Nepal office. Email: [email protected]

Hari Basnet obtained his Masters in Zoology from Tribhuvan University. Currently, he is working with Small Mammals Conservation and Research Foundation (SMCRF) and is particularly interested in research and conservation of small mammals. Apart from this, he is keen on acoustic science and studying birds focusing on galliformes and highland species. Email: [email protected]

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Shuklaphanta National Park is managed by the Government of Nepal under the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation to protect the unique biodiversity of far-west Nepal. The grassland habitat of this park supports the largest congregation of Swamp Deer in the world and diverse flora and fauna including Royal Bengal Tiger and Greater One-horned Rhinoceros. The park aims to protect rare wildlife species and manage the buffer zone area through participatory approach for effective conservation of biodiversity and sustainable community development; improve the wellbeing of the local people by developing ecotourism in support of conservation, and strengthen conservation activities following research-based scientific evidence.

Himalayan Nature is a development and conservation research institute, working to support sustainable livelihoods of Himalayan communities and initiating practical and groundbreaking scientific research on Himalayan biodiversity, social wellbeing and the broader environment. It is a sciencebased organization and takes an independent view of livelihood options provided to local communities and biodiversity conservation issues. It aims to promote public appreciation of natural heritage through conservation awareness of the wider public, helping build their capacity; and foster dialogue, networking and partnership among local, national and international stakeholders for sustainable livelihoods and nature management issues at the landscape level.

 An up to date list of 56 mammal species recorded in the park.  Photographs of animals to illustrate the morphological features for identification of the species.  Description on taxonomic information, global and national distribution, morphological characteristics, ecology, status and threats of all mammal species in the park.