UPDATING SPATIAL INFORMATION OF 27 MAMMAL SPECIES IN NEPAL
H. B. Katuwal, H. P. Sharma, P. J. L. Shaner, R. Gurung, V. Thapa, T. G. Magar, T. B. Gurung, K., Parajuli, M. B. Gurung, H. Basnet, S. Koirala, M. S. Ghimire, S. Yadav, J. L. Belant, K. Shah Small Mammals Conservation, Research Foundation, Kathmandu, Nepal, Bird Conservation Nepal, Lazimpat
1, 2, 34, 5, 6* 62, 32, 3 3 7 H. B. Katuwal, H. P. Sharma, P. J. L. Shaner, R. Gurung, V. Thapa, T. G. Magar, T. B. Gurung, K. 4 41, 4 1 3 8 92, 10 Parajuli, M. B. Gurung, H. Basnet, S. Koirala, M. S. Ghimire, S. Yadav, J. L. Belant, K. Shah 1 2 Small Mammals Conservation, Research Foundation, Kathmandu, Nepal; Bird Conservation Nepal, Lazimpat, 34
1 Kathmandu, Nepal; Friends of Bird, Kathmandu, Nepal; Central Department of Zoology, Tribhuvan University,
5 Taiwan; Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan; Bird Education Society,
10 University, USA; Natural History Museum, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
Page Number(s):
1735-1745
Published Online First:
December 01, 2018
Publication Date:
December 01, 2018
ABSTRACT
Information on species distribution range is a prerequisite for setting conservation strategies. Conservation efforts in Nepal have been focused on flagship species, such as Bengal Tiger ( Pantheratigris) , Asian Elephant (Elephasmaximus) and Greater One-horned Rhinoceros (Rhinocerosunicornis) . By contrast, distribution data and conservation efforts for other mammalian species are scarce. Here we documented the spatial locations of 27 mammal species based on direct sightings and photographic evidence from 70 m to 4,800 m of elevation across Nepal. We mapped their geographic distributions, delineated their elevation ranges and summarized the potential threats within their distribution ranges. We observed expanded elevation range forc. 30% of the 27 species ( 8 species), with the most noticeable upward expansion of the Common Palm Civet (Paradoxurushermaphroditus) from <1,500 m to 2,990 m, and downward expansion of the Fawn-colored Mouse (Muscervicolor) from >1,150 m to 200 m. These updated, high-quality spatial information on a subset of Nepalsdiverse mammalian fauna, highlight new opportunities to study the effects of climate change on mammals in the Himalayan region. and CsorbasMouse-eared Myotis (Myotis csorbai)
Keywords:
altitudinal distribution, geographic distribution, range shift, threatened species, wildlife.