Distribution, habitat use mapping and conservation threats of fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) in Shuklaphanta National Park, Nepal
Dol Raj Thanet
Tribhuvan University, Institute of Forestry, Hetauda CampusAssistant Professor
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3202-1581
Laxmi Joshi
Tribhuvan University, Institute of Forestry, School of Forestry and Natural Resource Management, Kathmandu, NepalBipana Maiya Sadadev
Tribhuvan University, Institute of forestry Pokhara campus, PokharaBijaya Dhami
Tribhuvan University, Institute of forestry Pokhara campus, PokharaKopila Kafle
Tribhuvan University, Central Department of Environmental Science, Kathmanduhttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-2780-2735
Abstract
The fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) is a medium sized wild cat of South and Southeast Asia. The Government of Nepal sponsors periodic monitoring of big cats and their prey species however, the population estimation of small cats including fishing cat is not yet estimated. In regards, we aimed to identify the current distribution status, habitat types used and existing conservation threat to fishing cat in Shuklaphanta National Park. Strip transect (1-2 km *5m) were laid and buffering was done within 1.5 km from the point of sign detected. Fishing cat was distributed in and around the wetland habitat in the form of patch. Further, we identified sal forest, riverine forest, sandy areas, grassland with marshy area and wetland with sparse sal forest as major habitat types. Using relative threat ranking method we identified over fishing, wetland depletion and lack of recognition of fishing cat habitat as critical threats.
Keywords:
distribution, fishing cat, habitat use, Shuklaphanta National Park, threatsReferences
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Tribhuvan University, Institute of Forestry, Hetauda Campus
<p>Assistant Professor</p> Nepal
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3202-1581
Assistant Professor
Tribhuvan University, Institute of Forestry, School of Forestry and Natural Resource Management, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tribhuvan University, Institute of forestry Pokhara campus, Pokhara
Tribhuvan University, Institute of forestry Pokhara campus, Pokhara
Tribhuvan University, Central Department of Environmental Science, Kathmandu
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2780-2735
