Gaurishankar Conservation Area - a Prime Habitat for Red Panda (Ailurus Fulgens) in Central Nepal

Home , Alampu, Bulung, Chankhu, Chilankha, Dolakha District, Gaurishankar

The Initiation

Gaurishankar Conservation Area - A Prime Habitat for Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens) in Central Nepal

Arjun Thapa1 Sunil Thapa1 and Shambu Poudel2 Corresponding email: [email protected]

Abstract: Globally threatened Red Panda is found in isolated high mountain’s bamboo- forest patches in Nepal, India, Bhutan, China and Burma. This study was focused in Gaurishankar Conservation Area, one of the newly declared protected areas of Nepal, with aim to glean baseline information regarding existence of Red Panda, its habitat status and conservation issues. Methods like altitudinal line intercept, key informant survey and consultation (with local people, herders, conservation stakeholder) were used to address the objectives. Marbu, Kalinchok, Gaurishankar (Dolkha District), Chuchure, Gumdel (Ramechhap District) and Fulpingkatti (Sindupalchok District) area were surveyed in first phase of study and presence of Red Panda distribution was recorded from Marbu, Kalinchok, Chuchure and Fulpingkatti forests areas through sign evidence (fecal pellets). A total of 24 transects were established randomly in the whole area and only 16 transects were worked effectively because of topographical barrier. Distribution of Red Panda was found as clumped pattern ( ). Among these sites, frequent sign encounter was recorded in Marbu (5.45/km) area followed by Fulpingkatti (5.06/km), Kalinchok (3.73/km) and Chuchre (1.67/km). Like in other areas, conservation issues like habitat destruction, livestock pressure, fire wood collection and illegal poaching were rampant in Gaurishankar also. This study recommended for detail survey on population status and conservation activities should be elaborated in current identified habitat as well as further survey should be focused on other possible habitats within conservation area.

Key Words: Distribution, Fecal pellets, Gaurishankar Conservaton Area, Red Panda, Transect

Introduction

Nepal’s high priority in biodiversity conservation is reflected in the increasing number of protected areas which covers more than 20% of the total area of the country. In fact, such creation process plays significant role in biodiversity, results in protection and conservation

1 small Mammals Conservation and Research Foundation 2 assistant lecture, Kathmandu Forestry College, Balkumari, Kathmandu

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of endangered and rare species. Recently, Government of Nepal proclaimed Gaurishankar Conservation Area (GCA) as new conservation area, that appended a protected area in Sacred Himalayan Landscap (SHL) and extends in three districts comprising six VDCs (Gumba, Tatopani, Listikot, Fulpingkatti, Marming, and Ghorthali) of Sindhupalchok district, fourteen VDCs (Kalinchok, Bigu, Alampu, Chilankha, Lambagar, Orang, Bulung, Laduk, Gaurishankar, Khare, Marbu, Chankhu, Suri, and Syama) of Dolakha district and Chuchure and Gumdel VDCs of Ramechhap district with an area of about 2179 km2. It lies between the Langtang National Park in the West and the Sagarmatha National Park in the east and thus act as biological corridor for large home range high altitude’s fauna. The Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens) is recorded in isolated pockets of high mountain ranges in The Red Panda (Ailuruswestern China fulgens (Sichuan,) is recorded Yunnan and in Tibetisolated provinces) pockets and theof highHimalayan mountain mountain ranges chain ofin Nepal, India, Bhutan and Burma, with a separate population on the Meghalaya Plateau in western China (Snorth-easternichuan, Yunnan India (Roberts and Tibet and Gittlemanprovinces) 1984, and Glatston the H 1994,imalayan Wei et. mountain al. 1999, Yonzon chain of Nepal, India, 1989,Bhutan Reid and et al.Burma,1991, Pradhan with a et separate al., 2001). population The global populationon the Meghalaya of the Red PlateauPanda is in north-eastern estimatedIndia (R atoberts 16 000 andto 20 Gittleman, 000 individuals 1984; based Glatston, on ecological 1994; density Wei (Choudhary, et. al., 1999;2001). Now its population is estimatedat 10,000 in wild (IUCN, 2008). Nepal hosts about 1.9 % of Yonzon, 1989; Rtheeid total et al., global 1991 population and Pradhan of the Red et alPanda., 2001). and estimated The global 314 individuals population based of on the habitat Red Panda is estimatedsuitability at 16 000 (Yonzon to 20et al.,000 1997). individuals Population based of Red on Panda ecological is declining density day by(C dayhoudhary, from its 2001). Now its populationviable habitat is of estimatedat the world and 10,000IUCN has in ma wildndated (I UCNit as endangered, 2008). speciesNepal since hosts 1996 about but now it is listed under Vulnerable category (IUCN2008) and also legally protected by 1.9 % of the totalGovernment global population of Nepal underof the Schedule Red Panda I (sec andtion estimated10) of National 314 individualsParks and Wildlife based on habitat suitabilityConservation (Yonzon Actet 2029 al., (1973). 1997). PAs Population network of Nepal of R covered Panda about 20% is declining of the total area,day butby day from its viablemore habitat than 62% of of the the world Red Panda and potential IUCN habitathas mandated remains outside it as the endangered protected areas species which may have higher risk due to human pressure (Yonzon et al. 1997), still research works are since 1996 but nowconcentrated it is listed within under protected Vulnerable areas only (Yonzoncategory 1989, (IUCN Mahato, 2008) 2004, Sharma and also 2008, legally Thapa protected by Government2009, Kandel of 2009). Nepal This under study Saimedchedule to glean I (section base line 10) information of National of Red Parks Panda; and its Wildlife Conservationdistribution Act and 2029 cons (1973).ervation issues.PAs network of Nepal cover about 20% of the total area, but more thanMaterial 62% and of Methodsthe Red Panda potential habitat remains outside the protected areas which may Studyhave Area higher risk due to human pressure (Yonzon et al., 1997), still research works are concentrated within protected Newly designed Gaurishankar areas only (Yonzon,Conservation 1989; AreaMahato, (85047.4’and 2004; 86034.8’ East longitude and Sharma, 2008; Thapa,0 2009 and0 Kandel, 2009). This study27 aimed34.2’and to glean28 10’ base Northline Latitude) was gazette in July 19, information of R2010ed Panda;that fall its underdistribution Sacred and conservationHimalayan issues. landscape. GCA harbor rich floral and faunal diversity along with cultural Material and Methodssignificance. Varied physiography and climatic condition provides Study Area the existence of diversified vegetation composition viz. subtropical forest (Pine forest, Newly designed GaurishankarSchima-Castonopsis Conservation forest etc.) to Area (85047.4’andalpine 86 0shrub34.8’ land.East Inlongitude addition, 0 agricultural0 lands, human and 27 34.2’andsettlements, 28 10’ Ncliffsorth andLatitude) aquatic was gazette in Julyhabitats 19, 2010are also that present. fall under This Sacred Himalayanconservation landscape. area actGCA as refuge harbor for more than 34 mammals species rich floral and including faunal globally diversity concern speciesalong with cultural significance.like Red Varied Panda, Snowphysiography leopard and climatic alongcondition with other provides bird, herpeto- the fauna and fishes (NTNC2009). FigureFigure 1: 1: Map Map of Studyof Study area area

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existence of diversified vegetation composition viz. subtropical forest (Pine forest,Schima- Methods Castonopsis forest etc.) to alpine shrub land. In addition, agricultural lands, human Field survey was carried out in the monthssettlements, of July, 2011. cliffs During and aquaticthis peri habitatsod, altitudinal are also line present. This conservation area act as refuge intercept method was used for sign (fecalfor pellet more, pugmark) than 34 survey. mammals As well species as other including potential globally concern species like Red Panda, Red Panda habitats and conservation issuesSnow were leopard identified along fromwith otherthe secondary bird, herpeto-fauna sources, and fishes (NTNC, 2009). literatures, semi structural questionnaires and informal interviews with local villagers, herders, conservation hotel staffs near the Methodsstudy areas. Fecal pellet is an effective indicator for sign survey of Red Panda due to their shy nature. The recognized probable habitat of animal in conservation area was surveyed Field survey was carried out in the following Williams (2004), Mahato (2004) and Kandel (2009). Horizontal months of July, 2011. During this period, transects were laid in each block along altitudinal line intercept method was used contour lines between elevations of Methods for sign (fecal pellet, pugmark) survey. 2600 m and 3600 m with an Field survey was carried out in the Amonthss well of July, as 2011.other During potential this period, R altitudinaled Panda line altitudinal spacing by 200m. In intercept method was used for sign (fecal pellet, pugmark) survey. As well as other potential Red Panda habitats and conservationhabitats issues wereand identified conservation from the secondaryissues sources,were transects, signs encountered were literatures, semi structural questionnairesidentified and informal from interv theiews secondarywith local villagers, sources, recorded keeping limitation on transect herders, conservation hotel staffs near the study areas. Fecal pellet is an effective indicator for lengths due to varied topography (cliff, sign survey of Red Panda due to theirliteratures, shy nature. The semi recognized structural probable questionnaires habitat of animal steep, rocky, river etc) and distribution in conservation area was surveyedand informal interviews with local following Williams (2004), Mahato pattern of animal was carried (2004) and Kandel (2009). Horizontalvillagers, herders, conservation hotel following the Odum (1971). Figure 2:2: Fecal Fecal pellet pellet of of Red Red Panda transectsPanda in inthree were three brancheslaid branches in each block alongstaffs near the study areas. Fecal pellet contour lines between elevations isof an effective indicator for sign survey Results and Discussion 2600 m and 3600 m with an of Red Panda due to theiraltitudinal shy spacing nature. by The200m. recognized In probable habitat of animal in

conservation area was surveyedtransects, signs following encountered Williams were (2004), Mahato (2004) and Kandel This Field survey was carried out in recorded keeping limitation on transect 2011 that validated the presence of (2009). Horizontal transectslengths were due to laidvaried in topography each block (cliff, along contour lines between elevations of 2600 m and 3600 m withsteep, rocky,an altitudinal river etc) and spacing distribution by 200m. In transects, signs encountered Red Panda in newly declared pattern of animal was carried Gaurishankar Conservation Area. were recorded keeping limitationfollowing the onOdum transect (1971). lengths dueFigure to 2: Fecalvaried pellet topography of Red Panda in three (cliff, branches steep, Based on sign survey (fecal pellet/ rocky, river etc) and distribution pattern of animal was carried following the Odum (1971). droppings) presence of Red Panda Results and Discussion was recorded in Marbu and Results and DiscussionThis Field survey was carried out in Kalinchok (Dolkha), Chuchure 2011 that validated the presence of (Ramechhap) and Fupingkatti Red Panda in newly declared (Sindupalchok). This Field survey was Gaurishankarcarried out Conservation in 2011 thatArea. validated the presence Basedof Roned sign Panda survey in(fecal newly pellet/ Similarly, study was carried in Sema droppings) presence of Red Panda declared Gaurishankar wasConservation recorded inA rea.Marbu Based and Village of Garurishankar VDC and on sign survey (fecal pellet/Kalinchok droppings) (Dolkha), presence Chuchure of Gumdel areas of Ramechhap, where (Ramechhap) and Fupingkatti sign was not recorded in the survey Red Panda was recorded(Sindupalchok). in Marbu and Kalinchok transects; however vegetation of (Dolkha), Chuchure (Ramechhap)Similarly, study and was Fcarriedupingkatti in Sema habitat as well as key information (Sindupalchok). Village of Garurishankar VDC and survey (local voice) support the high Gumdel areas of Ramechhap, where possibility in existence of Red sign was not recorded in the survey Similarly, study was transects;carried howeverin Sema vegetation Village of Panda. Results of key information of Garurishankar VDChabitat and as Gumdelwell as key areasinformation of survey (KIS) and consultation with survey (local voice) support the high local level conservation stakeholder Ramechhap, where signpossibility was not in recordedexistence inof theRed survey transects; howeverPanda. vegetationResults of key of information habitat also urge other areas like Tatopani, survey (KIS) and consultation with Bigu and Ghorthali for Red Panda as well as key informationlocal level survey conservation (local stakeholder voice) presence. There wasn’t any record of support the high possibilityalso urge in other existence areas like ofTatopani, Red Red Panda signs in elevation below Bigu and Ghorthali for Red Panda Panda. Results of key presence.information There wasn’t survey any record(KIS of) Figure 3: Distribution of Red Panda presence in GCA and consultation with Redlocal Panda level signs in conservationelevation below Figure 3: Distribution3: Distribution of Red Panda of Red presence Panda in GCA presence in GCA SUFFREC | 45 3000 m in four confirmed areas.Fecal pellets were encounter above 3000m in Marbu and Fulpingkatti; whereas it was recorded around 3200m elevation in Fulpingkatti and Chuchure areas. There was no visual encounter of animal during transects survey. Current study showed that distribution of Red Panda varies within range between 3000m to 3600m. This study indicated the clumped pattern of distribution ( ) in GCA that supported the study carried from Illam (Kandel 2009), Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve (Subedi 2009 and Kandel 2009). Though study carried in Buffer Zone of Sagarmatha National park found distribution of Red Panda in patches separated by steep terrains (Mahato The Initiation 2004). In nature, clumped pattern of distribution is more frequent in comparison to other types of distribution ie. random and uniform. stakeholder also urge other areas like Tatopani, Bigu and Ghorthali for Red Average sign encounter rate Panda presence. There wasn’t any record 6.00 of Red Panda signs in elevation below 5.00 3000 m in four confirmed areas.Fecal 4.00 pellets were encounter above 3000m in 3.00 2.00 Marbu and Fulpingkatti; whereas it was 1.00 recorded around 3200m elevation in 0.00 Marbu Kalinchock Chuchure Fulpingkatti Fulpingkatti and Chuchure areas. There was no visual encounter of animal during FigureFigure 4: Average 4: signAverage encounter sign rate encounter in sites rate in sites transects survey. Current study showed Threats and Conservation issues that distribution of Red Panda varies within range between 3000m to 3600m. This study Threats to the Red Panda were determined by considering the livestock and human pressure. indicated the clumped pattern of distributionIn the intensive ( study area, livestock was dominated by Chauri and grazing was prevalent in all sites. Seasonally, large herds of livestock were grazed in different pastures near all four study sites where livestock spend about six to seven months that possesses higher pressure to the Red Panda. )Along in GwithCA this, that livestock supported and herder, the dogs study used tocarried visit Red Panda habitat from Illam (Kandel 2009), Dhorpatanfrequently Hunting which has R eservechances of ( Skillingubedi Red 2009 Panda. and In Marbu, Kandel average 2009). cattle dung encounter is high compared to other areas that disturb Red Panda habitat. About 16 cattle sheds (Goths) Though study carried in Buffer Zonewere countedof Sagarmatha in Marbu with N averageational 18 parkChauri found per shed. distribution There are cheese of processing unit Red Panda in patches separated by(government/private), steep terrains (Mahato that encouraged 2004). Inherders nature, to increaseclumped thei patternr livestock number by of distribution is more frequent in providingcomparison them softto otherloan and types reasonable of distribution price for milk. ie.This random activates alsoand support for high grazing stress. uniform.

Threats and Conservation issues

17.00 Threats to the Red Panda were determined 15.00 by considering the livestock and human 13.00 11.00 pressure. In the intensive study area, livestock 9.00 was dominated by Chauri and grazing was 7.00 Average Red panda 5.00 sign encounter prevalent in all sites. Seasonally, large herds 3.00 Average Cattle of livestock were grazed in different pastures 1.00 dung enounter near all four study sites where livestock spend about six to seven months that possesses higher pressure to the Red Panda. Along with this, livestock and herder, dogs usedFigure to 5: AverageFigure Red Panda 5: Average sign encounter Red Panda and average sign cattle encounter dung encounter and in the four areas average cattle dung encounter in the four areas visit Red Panda habitat frequently Alongwhich with has grazing; fire collection, fodder collection, malingo and shoots of malingo chances of killing Red Panda. In Marbu,(bamboo averageshoot) collection cattle were dung issues encounter of threats isto thehigh animal. compared Interviews suggested that local people used bamboo and shoots for various purposes such as for making basket and to other areas that disturb Red Pandarooftop, habitat. as fodder, About and fencing 16 cattle and bamboo sheds shoots (Goths) were wereused as counted vegetables and pickle. They in Marbu with average 18 Chauri peralso shed.used these There shoots are to cheesefeed their processing livestock as cattle unit feed. (government/ Hunting doesn’t appear to be a serious threat as habitat loss, overgrazing and fire wood collection. During the study period, private), that encouraged herders tohunting increase evidences their was livestock found in numbercattle sheds by in providingthe Marbu area them but wassoft not recorded from loan and reasonable price for milk.other This study activates sites. also support for high grazing stress. Conclusion Along with grazing; fire collection,Presence fodderof Red Panda collection, was confirmed malingo in Gaurishankar and shootsConservation of Area malingo (GCA) and (bamboo shoot) collection were issuesshowed of the threats patchy distribution. to the animal. Sign evidence Interviews (droppings) suggested indicated exthatistence of Red Panda from four areas; Marbu and Kalinchok (Dolkha), Chuchure (Ramechhap) and Fulpingkatti local people used bamboo and shoots(Sindupalchok). for various Signs purposes of Red Panda such were as forenc ounteredmaking at basket the elevation and of 3000m from rooftop, as fodder, and fencing andsurveyed bamboo areas shootsand gradually were scared used at aselev vegetablesation 3600m. Thisand study pickle. indicated the clumped pattern of distribution ( ) in GCA. A total of 24 transect were laid, among them 16 transect were effective for Red Panda sign encounter. Marbu showed the highest sign encounter rate followed by Fulpingkatti, Kalinchock and Chuchure. Particularly, the droppings were found in tree and ground. 46 | SUFFREC The Red Panda in study area is facing problems of habitat destruction, livestock pressure, fire wood collection, fodder collection as well as illegal poaching. Likewise, grazing of cattle in the Panda habitat and use of bamboos as vegetables, roofing materials and as other raw materials for domestic utensils are also the indirect threats to Red Pandas.

Acknowledgements

I would like to express my sincere thanks to Rufford Small Grant Program UK, National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) and North England Zoological Society, UK for providing financial support. Small Mammals Conservation and Research Foundation (SMCRF) for providing field equipments as well as World Association Zoo and Aquariums (WAZA) for project branding. My cordial thank goes to Dr. Shanta Raj Janwali, Mr. Satya Narayan Shah, PrakashBhattarai, Kamal Nepali,NavarajChapagainBabu Ram Lamichani, MadanSulwal, Bed Prasad Bhurtel, SubarnBasnet, Ramesh Silwalfor their kind help during different phases of work.

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They also used these shoots to feed their livestock as cattle feed. Hunting doesn’t appear to be a serious threat as habitat loss, overgrazing and fire wood collection. During the study period, hunting evidences was found in cattle sheds in the Marbu area but was not recorded from other study sites.

Conclusion

Presence of Red Panda was confirmed in Gaurishankar Conservation Area (GCA) and showed the patchy distribution. Sign evidence (droppings) indicated existence of Red Panda from four areas; Marbu and Kalinchok (Dolkha), Chuchure (Ramechhap) and Fulpingkatti (Sindupalchok). Signs of Red Panda were encountered at the elevation of 3000m from surveyed areas and gradually scared at elevation 3600m. This study indicated the clumped pattern of distribution ( ) in GCA. A total of 24 transect were laid, among them 16 transect were effective for Red Panda sign encounter. Marbu showed the highest sign encounter rate followed by Fulpingkatti, Kalinchock and Chuchure. Particularly, the droppings were found in tree and ground.

The Red Panda in study area is facing problems of habitat destruction, livestock pressure, fire wood collection, fodder collection as well as illegal poaching. Likewise, grazing of cattle in the Panda habitat and use of bamboos as vegetables, roofing materials and as other raw materials for domestic utensils are also the indirect threats to Red Pandas.

Acknowledgements

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