sign in sign up
<<
Home , Bengal florican, Saccharum spontaneum

PLATINUM The Journal of Threatened Taxa (JoTT) is dedicated to building evidence for conservaton globally by publishing peer-reviewed artcles OPEN ACCESS online every month at a reasonably rapid rate at www.threatenedtaxa.org. All artcles published in JoTT are registered under Creatve Commons Atributon 4.0 Internatonal License unless otherwise mentoned. JoTT allows unrestricted use, reproducton, and distributon of artcles in any medium by providing adequate credit to the author(s) and the source of publicaton.

Journal of Threatened Taxa Building evidence for conservaton globally www.threatenedtaxa.org ISSN 0974-7907 (Online) | ISSN 0974-7893 (Print) Communication

Status of the Houbaropsis bengalensis (Gmelin, 1789) in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve,

Hem Sagar Baral, Tek Raj Bhat, Sailendra Raj Giri, Ashok Kumar Ram, Shyam Kumar Shah, Laxman Prasad Poudyal, Dhiraj Chaudhary, Gitanjali Bhatacharya & Rajan Amin

26 June 2020 | Vol. 12 | No. 9 | Pages: 16006–16012 DOI: 10.11609/jot.4832.12.9.16006-16012

For Focus, Scope, Aims, Policies, and Guidelines visit htps://threatenedtaxa.org/index.php/JoTT/about/editorialPolicies#custom-0 For Artcle Submission Guidelines, visit htps://threatenedtaxa.org/index.php/JoTT/about/submissions#onlineSubmissions For Policies against Scientfc Misconduct, visit htps://threatenedtaxa.org/index.php/JoTT/about/editorialPolicies#custom-2 For reprints, contact

The opinions expressed by the authors do not refect the views of the Journal of Threatened Taxa, Wildlife Informaton Liaison Development Society, Zoo Outreach Organizaton, or any of the partners. The journal, the publisher, the host, and the part- Publisher & Host ners are not responsible for the accuracy of the politcal boundaries shown in the maps by the authors.

Member

Threatened Taxa Journal of Threatened Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 June 2020 | 12(9): 16006–16012 ISSN 0974-7907 (Online) | ISSN 0974-7893 (Print) PLATINUM OPEN ACCESS DOI: htps://doi.org/10.11609/jot.4832.12.9.16006-16012

#4832 | Received 18 January 2019 | Final received 24 March 2020 | Finally accepted 29 May 2020

C o m m Status of the Critcally Endangered Bengal Florican u n i Houbaropsis bengalensis (Gmelin, 1789) in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal c a 1 2 3 4 5 t Hem Sagar Baral , Tek Raj Bhat , Sailendra Raj Giri , Ashok Kumar Ram , Shyam Kumar Shah , i Laxman Prasad Poudyal 6 , Dhiraj Chaudhary 7 , Gitanjali Bhatacharya 8 & Rajan Amin 9 o n 1,2,3 Zoological Society of London Nepal Ofce, PO Box 5867, Kathmandu, Nepal. 4,5,6 Department of Natonal Parks and Wildlife Conservaton, PO Box 860, Babarmahal, Kathmandu, Nepal. 8,9 Zoological Society of London, London NW1 4RY, UK. 1 School of Environmental Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury-Wodonga, New South Wales, Australia. 7 Himalayan Nature, PO Box 10918, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal. 1 [email protected] (corresponding author), 2 [email protected], 3 [email protected], 4 [email protected], 5 [email protected], 6 [email protected], 7 [email protected], 8 [email protected], 9 [email protected]

Abstract: The Bengal Florican is one of the rarest and is listed ‘Critcally Endangered’ by the IUCN. The species is restricted to the lowland grasslands of , Nepal, and with fewer than 1,000 mature individuals. To assess the species status in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal, we repeated our frst comprehensive survey conducted during the 2012 breeding season. In spite of a larger area coverage we recorded only 41 adult Bengal Floricans in 2017 compared to 47 individuals in 2012. Detectability of this rare species is low in its - grasslands. We, therefore, used a long pole with black and white clothing to mimic Bengal Florican’s display fight to stmulate male Bengal Florican. The number of adult males recorded was the same as in the 2012 survey and the adult male density remains one of the highest in the Indian subcontnent. Management recommendatons for the long-term conservaton of the species in Koshi Tappu include maintenance of Imperata-Saccharum grasslands in the reserve favoured by the Bengal Florican and working with farmers and communites adjacent to the reserve where the breed in to maintain some agricultural lands with vegetaton height suitable for the species especially during the species’ breeding season. Keywords: Otdiformes, Otdidae, bustard, abundance, grasslands, , fagship species, threats. Abbreviatons: CITES—Conventon on Internatonal Trade in of Wild Fauna and Flora | GPS—Global Positoning System IUCN—Internatonal Union for Conservaton of Nature | NGOs—Non-Governmental Organisatons.

v/d'h'/ ljZjd} clt ;+s6fkGg cj:yfdf /x]sf] nf]kf]Gd'v a:68{ hfltsf] r/f xf] . of] k|hflt g]kfn, ef/t / blIf0fL OG8f]rfOgfsf] sd prfO{+df ePsf 3fF;]d}bfgx¿df ;Lldt 5 . xfn ef/tLo pkdxflåk / sDaf]l8ofsf] 6f]Gn] ;fk tfnsf 3fF;]d}bfg If]qx¿df !))) eGbf sd jo:s v/d'h'/ /x]sf] cg'dfg ul/Psf] 5 . ;g\ @)!@ df sf]zL 6Kk' If]qdf o; k|hfltsf] j[xt ;j]{If0f ul/Psf] lyof] . ;f]xL ljlw ckgfP/ of] ;j]{If0f ;DkGg ul/Psf] xf] . o; ;j]{If0fdf klxn]sf] eGbf a9L If]q cf]ul6Psf] eP klg klxn] -$& j6f_ eGbf clxn] -$! j6f_ sd jo:s v/d'h'/x¿ e]l6of] . cUnf 3fF; k|hflt / logsf] nhfn' :jefjn] ubf{ ;j]{If0fsf a]nf of] k|hflt ;lhn} b]lvof]; eGg] x]t'n] n's]sf 7fpFaf6 aflx/ lgsfNg nfdf] n¶Lsf] 6'Kkfdf k|0fosf a]nf gfRg] v/d'h'/em}+ efg x'g] sfnf];]tf] Wjhfsf] d2t lnOof] . s'n ;+Vof 36]tf klg of] ;j]{If0fdf klg klxn]sf] ;j]{If0fdf hltg} jo:s efn] v/d'h'/x¿ b]lvP . sf]zL 6Kk' If]qdf e]l6Psf] jo:s efn] v/d'h'/sf] 3gTj ef/tLo pkdxflåks} pRr dWo]sf] xf] . af;:yfgsf ?kdf /x]sf 3fF;]d}bfgx¿ ljgfz x'b} hfg' / afFsL /x]sf 3fF;]d}bfgx¿df klg Joj:yfkgsf cg'ko'Qm tl/sf ckgfOg'sf sf/0f jf;:yfgsf] u'0f:t/df Xf; x'g' v/d'h'/sf nflu k|d'v r'gf}tLsf ?kdf /x]sf 5g\ . v/d'h'/sf] lbuf] ;+/If0fsf nflu ;+/lIft If]qx¿df o; k|hfltnfO{ pko'Qm 3fF;]d}bfg Joj:yfkg ug'{sf ;fy;fy} ;+/lIft If]q cf;kf;sf :yfgLo ;d'bfo / s[ifsx¿;Fu ;xsfo{ u/L o; k|hfltsf] af;:yfgsf] plrt ;+/If0f, ljz]ift aRRffsf]/Ng] ;dodf, ug'{ kg]{ s'/f o; j}1flgs kqdf pNn]v ul/Psf] 5 .

Editor: Anonymity requested. Date of publicaton: 26 June 2020 (online & print) v/d'h'/ ljZjd} clt ;+s6fkGg cj:yfdf /x]sf] nf]kf]Gd'v a:68{ hfltsf] r/f xf] . of] k|hflt g]kfn, ef/t / blIf0fL OG8f]rfOgfsf] sd prfO{+df ePsf 3fF;]d}bfgx¿df ;Lldt 5 . xfn ef/tLo pkdxflåk / sDaf]l8ofsf] Citaton:6f]Gn] ;fk Baral,tfnsf 3fF;]d}bfg H.S., T.R. If]qx Bhat,¿df !))) S.R. eGbf Giri, sd A.K.jo:s Ram, v/d'h'/ S.K. /x]sf] Shah, cg'dfg L.P. ul/Psf] Poudyal, 5 . ;g \ D.@)!@ Chaudhary, df sf]zL 6Kk' G.If]qdf Bhatacharya o; k|hfltsf] j[xt & ;j]{If0fR. Amin ul/Psf] (2020). lyof] . ;f]xLStatus ljlw ofckgfP/ the Critcallyof] ;j]{If0f ;DkGg Endangered ul/Psf] Bengalxf] . o; Florican ;j]{If0fdf klxn]sf]Houbaropsis eGbf a9L bengalensisIf]q cf]ul6Psf] eP (Gmelin, klg klxn] 1789)-$& j6f_ in eGbf Koshi clxn Tappu] -$! j6f_ Wildlife sd jo:s Reserve, v/d'h'/x ¿Nepal. e]l6of] .Journal cUnf 3fF; of k|hflt Threatened / logsf] nhfn' Taxa :jefjn] 12(9): ubf{ 16006–16012 ;j]{If0fsf a]nf of]. k|hflthtps://doi. ;lhn} org/10.11609/jot.b]lvof]; eGg] x]t'n] n's]sf4832 7fpFaf6.12 .aflx/9.16006-16012 lgsfNg nfdf] n¶Lsf] 6'Kkfdf k|0fosf a]nf gfRg] v/d'h'/em}+ efg x'g] sfnf];]tf] Wjhfsf] d2t lnOof] . s'n ;+Vof 36]tf klg of] ;j]{If0fdf klg klxn]sf] ;j]{If0fdf hltg} jo:s efn] v/d'h'/x¿ b]lvP . sf]zL 6Kk' If]qdf e]l6Psf] jo:s efn] v/d'h'/sf] 3gTj ef/tLo pkdxflåks} pRr dWo]sf] xf] . af;:yfgsf ?kdf /x]sf 3fF;]d}bfgx¿ ljgfz x'b} hfg' / afFsL /x]sf 3fF;]d}bfgx¿df klg Joj:yfkgsf Copyright:cg'ko'Qm tl/sf © BaralckgfOg'sf et al.sf/0f 2020 jf;:yfgsf]. Creatve u'0f:t/df Commons Xf; x'g' v/d'h'/ Atributonsf nflu 4.0k|d'v Internatonalr'gf}tLsf ?kdf /x]sf License. 5g\ . v/d'h'/ JoTTsf] allows lbuf] ;+/If0fsf unrestricted nflu ;+/lIft use, If]qx reproducton,¿df o; k|hfltnfO{ and pko'Qm distributon 3fF;]d}bfg Joj:yfkg of this ug'{sfartcle in ;fy;fy}any medium ;+/lIft If]q by cf;kf;sf providing :yfgLo adequate ;d'bfo / credits[ifsx¿; toFu the;xsfo{ author(s) u/L o; k|hfltsf] and the af;:yfgsf] source plrtof publicaton. ;+/If0f, ljz]ift aRRffsf]/Ng] ;dodf, ug'{ kg]{ s'/f o; j}1flgs kqdf pNn]v ul/Psf] 5 .

Funding: Department of Natonal Parks and Wildlife Conservaton, Himalayan Nature, ZSL. Competng interests: The authors declare no competng interests. v/d'h'/ ljZjd} clt ;+s6fkGg cj:yfdf /x]sf] nf]kf]Gd'v a:68{ hfltsf] r/f xf] . of] k|hflt g]kfn, ef/t / blIf0fL OG8f]rfOgfsf] sd prfO{+df ePsf 3fF;]d}bfgx¿df ;Lldt 5 . xfn ef/tLo pkdxflåk / sDaf]l8ofsf] 6f]Gn] ;fk tfnsf 3fF;]d}bfg If]qx¿df For!))) Author eGbf sd details jo:s v/d'h'/ and /x]sf]Author cg'dfg contributonul/Psf] 5 . ;g\ @)!@ see df sf]zLend 6Kk' of If]qdf this o; artcle. k|hfltsf] j[xt ;j]{If0f ul/Psf] lyof] . ;f]xL ljlw ckgfP/ of] ;j]{If0f ;DkGg ul/Psf] xf] . o; ;j]{If0fdf klxn]sf] eGbf a9L If]q cf]ul6Psf] eP klg klxn] -$& j6f_ eGbf clxn] -$! j6f_ sd jo:s v/d'h'/x¿ e]l6of] . cUnf 3fF; k|hflt / logsf] nhfn' :jefjn] ubf{ ;j]{If0fsf a]nf of] k|hflt ;lhn} b]lvof]; eGg] x]t'n] n's]sf 7fpFaf6 aflx/ lgsfNg nfdf] n¶Lsf] 6'Kkfdf k|0fosf a]nf gfRg] v/d'h'/em}+ efg x'g] Acknowledgements:sfnf];]tf] Wjhfsf] d2t lnOof] .This s'n ;+Vof survey 36]tf klgwas of] funded;j]{If0fdf klg by klxn]sf] Zoological ;j]{If0fdf hltg}Society jo:s ofefn] Londonv/d'h'/x¿ b]NepallvP . sf]zL Ofce 6Kk' If]qdf with e]l6Psf] support jo:s efn] from v/d'h'/ thesf] 3gTjKoshi ef/tLo Tappu pkdxfl Wildlifeåks} pRr dWo]sf] Reserve, xf] . af;:yfgsf Department ?kdf /x]sf of 3fF;]d}bfgx¿ ljgfz x'b} hfg' / afFsL /x]sf 3fF;]d}bfgx¿df klg Joj:yfkgsf cg'ko'Qm tl/sf ckgfOg'sf sf/0f jf;:yfgsf] u'0f:t/df Xf; x'g' v/d'h'/sf nflu k|d'v r'gf}tLsf ?kdf /x]sf 5g\ . v/d'h'/sf] lbuf] ;+/If0fsf nflu ;+/lIft If]qx¿df o; Natonalk|hfltnfO{ pko'QmParks 3fF;]d}bfg and WildlifeJoj:yfkg ug'{sf Conservaton, ;fy;fy} ;+/lIft If]q and cf;kf;sf Himalayan :yfgLo ;d 'bfoNature. / s[ifsx ¿; WeFu ;xsfo{ thank u/L o;the k|hfltsf] Department af;:yfgsf] plrt of Natonal;+/If0f, ljz]ift Parks aRRffsf]/Ng] and ;do Wildlifedf, ug'{ kg]{ Conservatons'/f o; j}1flgs kqdf for pNn]v issuing ul/Psf] 5research . permit for the work. Various Koshi-based insttutons kindly provided additonal logistcal support; Kosi Bird Observatory, Himalayan Nature, Koshi Camp, Koshi Bird Society, and Nepalese Ornithological Union. We would like to thank Badri Chaudhary (Nepalese Ornithological Union), Anish Timsina (Koshi Bird Society), Suman Acharya, Bibek Chaudhary, and Surendra Chaudhary (ZSL Nepal) for their assistance in the feld.

16006 J TT Status of Bengal Florican in Koshi Tappu WR Baral et al.

INTRODUCTION

Bengal Florican Houbaropsis bengalensis (Gmelin, 1789) is the only member of its , and is the rarest member of the bustard order, Otdiformes. The species is classifed as Critcally Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to the widespread and on-going modifcaton of its grassland habitat (BirdLife Internatonal 2018). It is also included on Appendix I of CITES (BirdLife Internatonal 2018). Resident populatons of Bengal Florican (Image 1) occur in the foodplain grasslands in Cambodia, India, and Nepal (BirdLife Internatonal 2018). The Cambodia populaton is estmated to be 432 individuals (Packman et al. 2014). The overall populaton estmate for India © Chungba Sherpa is not available, but it is certain to hold a signifcant Image 1. Bengal Florican Houbaropsis bengalensis populaton considering the large areas of suitable habitat especially within its northern protected areas. Recent surveys have recorded 72 adult males in Manas provides long-term biodiversity benefts not only for the Tiger Reserve, Kaziranga and Orang Natonal Parks in forican but also for other species that rely on the fragile and 60–70 territorial male Bengal Floricans are and threatened grassland habitats. An efectve strategy estmated to be present in D’Ering Wildlife Sanctuary in needs to establish an improved scientfc evidence-base (BirdLife Internatonal 2018). on the dynamics of Bengal Florican populaton decline, In Nepal, the species occurs in Shuklaphanta Natonal increase regional conservaton capacity-building and Park, Bardia Natonal Park, Chitwan Natonal Park, Koshi cooperaton, raise awareness, and build legislaton for Tappu Wildlife Reserve, and Koshi Barrage area with habitat protecton, and appropriate management aiming a combined populaton of less than 100 individuals to support optmum populaton size. Despite years (DNPWC 2016, Figure 1). In Koshi Tappu Wildlife of conservaton focus on this species, the populaton Reserve, the species was occasionally seen in the 1970s contnues to decline elevatng the species’ status (Dahmer 1976) and there were several records from the recently to Critcally Endangered from Endangered. A Koshi Barrage in the early 1980s (Baker 1981; Turton & global scenario for the Bengal Florican and other bustard Speight 1982), but none were sighted afer 1986 (Inskipp species is adequately presented in a recent publicaton & Inskipp 1991). (Collar et al. 2017). However, in 2011 the Bengal Florican made a come- Following recommendatons by Baral et al. (2013), back to the wildlife reserve. A 2011 survey estmated as the objectve of this study was to assess the change in many as 12 pairs in Koshi area at nine sites along a 39km status of the populaton of the Bengal Florican in Koshi north-south stretch of the Koshi River. Out of the total of Tappu Wildlife Reserve and its adjacent areas afer a 17 birds recorded during the survey only fve birds were period of fve years. recorded outside the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. A comprehensive follow-up survey in April and May 2012 counted 47 birds. This represented the largest known METHODS populaton in Nepal, with perhaps the highest density in the Indian subcontnent (Baral et al. 2013). Study area The main threat to the Bengal Florican in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (26.65°N & 87.00°E) lies the protected areas in Nepal is improper habitat in the foodplain of the Sapta Koshi River in southeastern management by ploughing, intensive burning and grass lowland Nepal (Figure 2). The reserve was ofcially harvestng leading to a loss of suitable habitat (Poudyal established in 1976 and extended in 1980 covering an et al. 2008; Baral et al. 2013; DNPWC 2016). The Bengal area of 175km2. The habitat within Koshi Tappu Wildlife Florican is a ‘fagship’ species in the Terai grasslands. Reserve and its adjacent areas, referred henceforth as There is a need to develop a sustainable recovery Koshi Tappu, is broadly classifed as mixed deciduous strategy for the critcally threatened Bengal Florican that riverine forest (5.4%), grassland (17.1%), swamp (18.1%),

Journal of Threatened Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 June 2020 | 12(9): 16006–16012 16007 J TT Status of Bengal Florican in Koshi Tappu WR Baral et al.

Figure 1. Distributon of Bengal Florican in Nepal.

Figure 2 . Koshi Tappu showing the survey area with four blocks.

16008 Journal of Threatened Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 June 2020 | 12(9): 16006–16012 J TT Status of Bengal Florican in Koshi Tappu WR Baral et al.

Table 1. Descripton of survey blocks in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and its adjacent areas.

Disturbance Block Sites Locaton Area (km²) Habitat characteristcs level 26.77N with smaller patches of Imperata grasses; within Site 1 4 High 87.10E Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and bufer zone 26.74N S. spontaneum with fewer patches of Imperata grasses than site 1; outside A Site 2 14 High 87.12E Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and bufer zone 26.77N Cultvaton land with some thatched houses. Few patches of Typha Site 3 30.2 High 87.07E elephantne and short grasses mainly Imperata. 26.69N 30.5 S. spontaneum with a sward height of about 50cm; within Koshi Tappu Site 1 Medium 87.09E Wildlife Reserve and bufer zone B 26.66N S. spontaneum with a sward height of about 50cm; within Koshi Tappu Site 2 6 Medium 87.09E Wildlife Reserve and bufer zone 26.56N S. spontaneum with a sward height of about 50cm; within Koshi Tappu Site 3 9 Medium 87.01E Wildlife Reserve and bufer zone

26.66N Site 1 12.9 Medium 87.04E Saccharum and Imperata grasslands with patches of young Dalbergia C sissoo and Acacia catechu: within Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and bufer zone 26.66N Site 2 37.3 Medium 87.04E 26.63N Saccharum and Imperata species: within Koshi Tappu Wildlife- Reserve D Site 1 25 High 87.02E and bufer zone

Disturbance was measured in three categorical levels—low, medium, and high. river (52.4%), and agricultural land (7.0%) (Dahal et also minimal during these tmes. al. 2009). The southern part of the reserve is a large In total 12 experienced surveyors took part in the expanse of open water, marshes and reed-beds created survey. Each surveyor had a pair of binoculars and by the constructon of Koshi barrage between 1958 and forms to record data on sighted birds along with locaton 1964 (Limbu & Subba 2011). The reserve is bounded by and habitat informaton. Additonally, each survey two parallel embankments, a shorter one to the west team carried a mobile phone, digital camera and a GPS and longer one to the east of the Sapta Koshi River and receiver. Watches were synchronised among team is subject to annual fooding (Baral et al. 2012). Koshi members to record accurate tme of Bengal Florican Tappu Wildlife Reserve was Nepal’s frst Ramsar site in sightngs. Each survey team also carried a long pole with 1987 (Sah 1997) and is an Important Bird Area (Baral black and white clothing to mimic male Bengal Florican & Inskipp 2005). A total of 526 bird species has been display fight. The aim of this was to stmulate male recorded in the area (Baral 2016; Koshi Tappu Wildlife Bengal Floricans to display thus increasing detectability. Reserve 2018). Sightngs of fying birds were communicated to other teams via mobile phones to minimize double counts. Field method The survey covered 168.9km2 of the 193km2 identfed Prior to the feld survey, we identfed suitable as suitable Bengal Florican habitat in Koshi Tappu. Bengal Florican habitats in and around Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve using Google Earth Image (2016) and Enumeratng number of Bengal Floricans reconnaissance survey. We followed the previous 2012 Bengal Florican sightng records were checked for survey design and established four survey blocks (Table double counts using sex, locaton and tme. The species 1, Figure 2). Survey blocks A and B were considerably nestng season is from May to August (Oates 1898). We, larger, by 30.2km2 and 30.4km2, respectvely, compared therefore, assumed that the adult birds had already to 2012 survey due to the dynamic nature of the established territories during the survey and were foodplain. faithful to their sites. The total number of birds was The survey was conducted between 23–29 April obtained by adding the total number of birds recorded 2017. The survey blocks were reached either by boat or in each survey block. by a four-wheel vehicle and the surveys were conducted Several factors were recognized to be potental on foot between 05.00–10.00­ hr and 15.00­­–18.00 biases in countng the Bengal Florican populaton. Since hr. Bengal Floricans are most actve during the early only adult males displayed, counts were likely to be morning and late afernoon and human disturbance is biased towards males. Grass height varied considerably

Journal of Threatened Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 June 2020 | 12(9): 16006–16012 16009 J TT Status of Bengal Florican in Koshi Tappu WR Baral et al.

across the survey area, and we did not correct for The overall density of the species in the surveyed detecton bias due to variaton in visibility. Bias due to area was 0.24 birds/km2. Assuming that the un-surveyed diferent observers, tming of count, and varying levels area had a density of Bengal Floricans similar to the of human disturbance were also recognized. Potental area covered, we estmated a total populaton of 46 variability introduced using Bengal Florican dummies Bengal Floricans within suitable habitat in Koshi Tappu. was not estmated. The number of Bengal Floricans that Bengal Floricans were only recorded in grasslands had not yet established territories during the survey predominantly consistng of and was unknown. The possibility of birds moving between Saccharum spontaneum with a sward height greater blocks during the survey period was recognized. than 50cm.

Correcton of the Bengal Florican 2012 survey estmate RESULTS (Baral et al. 2013) We found that the area of Block C reported by Baral Bengal Florican was recorded in all four surveyed et al. (2013) was much larger than its actual size. Based blocks. In total, 41 adult birds were recorded of which on area calculated using QGIS 2.18 (QGIS Development 29 birds were male and 12 birds were female. Five birds Team 2004), we revised this to 50km2 (105km2 was were recorded outside the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve reported in Baral et al. 2013). The revised estmated and its bufer zone, four birds in the bufer zone, and 32 density of Bengal Floricans in Koshi Tappu for 2012 was birds in the reserve (Table 2). 0.43 bird/km2 (Table 3). The highest number (15 birds) and density (0.33 birds/km2) of Bengal Floricans were recorded in Block B. Only four Bengal Floricans at a density of 0.16 birds/ DISCUSSION km2 were counted in Block D. In Block A nine adult Bengal Floricans at a density of 0.19/km2 were counted. We counted fewer adult Bengal Floricans (41 birds) in The survey blocks A and D were the most grazed and Koshi Tappu over a larger area (168.9km2) compared to disturbed areas, evident by the large number of catle the previous survey in 2012 (Baral et al. 2013, 47 birds in present and on average, the shortest grass sward height. 108.1km2). This indicates a 13% decline over fve years. All the blocks except Block A were within the reserve and The survey found a 2.42 male to female sex rato. It is bufer zone. Seventy percent of Block A was outside the not unusual to fnd a higher number of males compared reserve and bufer zone. to females in populatons of globally threatened bird

Table 2. The number of adult Bengal Floricans counted within the surveyed blocks in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and its adjacent areas.

Sampling Number of adult male Number of adult female Total number of adult Estmated adult density block Area (km2) Bengal Floricans counted Bengal Floricans counted Bengal Floricans counted (birds / km2) Block A 48.2 6 3 9 0.19

Block B 45.5 10 5 15 0.33

Block C 50.2 10 3 13 0.26

Block D 25 3 1 4 0.16

Total 168.9 29 12 41 0.24

Table 3. Revised 2012 survey density estmate of Bengal Florican in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and its adjacent areas (data source Baral et al. 2013).

Sampling Number of male Bengal Number of female Bengal Total number of Bengal Estmated density (birds block Area (km2) Floricans counted Floricans counted Floricans counted / km2) Block A 18 9 5 14 0.78

Block B 15.1 5 3 8 0.53

Block C 50 14 9 23 0.46

Block D 25 1 1 2 0.08

Total 108.1 29 18 47 Average total density 0.43

16010 Journal of Threatened Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 June 2020 | 12(9): 16006–16012 J TT Status of Bengal Florican in Koshi Tappu WR Baral et al.

Table 4. Density of adult male Bengal Florican populatons in southern and southeastern Asia.

Density Number of adult Area Site (individuals Data source male Bengal Floricans (km2) /km2) Manas Tiger Reserve, India 33 319 0.1 BirdLife Internatonal (2017)

Kaziranga Natonal Park, India 32 378 0.08 BirdLife Internatonal (2017)

D’Ering Wildlife Sanctuary, India 60–70 (mean 65) 190 0.34 BirdLife Internatonal (2017) All Bengal Florican habitat, 216 307 0.7 Packman et al. (2014) Cambodia Koshi Tappu, Nepal 29 163.65 0.18 Bengal Florican Survey (2017) species (Donald 2007). Further studies are required to and are possibly stll increasing in Koshi as they are understand reasons for the higher percentage of male more adaptable to the widespread disturbance that Bengal Florican sightngs. Comparing the density of Koshi faces and are known to fourish in such conditons. adult male Bengal Floricans as a proxy of Bengal Florican Pressure on lowland grasslands is increasing. Bengal populaton density across the various sites in southern Floricans are especially at risk during the monsoon and southeastern Asia, Koshi Tappu contnues to remain when some move outside the protected areas where one of the strongholds for the species (Table 4). they might breed into unprotected riverine areas with Previous studies have reported species dependence adjacent agricultural felds. on Saccharum-Imperata assemblage during the breeding Based on our studies and experience, we season (Inskipp & Inskipp 1983; Baral 2001; Poudyal et recommend that the local communites should be al. 2008). This study also found higher density of Bengal trained and supported in managing grasslands that fulfl Floricans in Saccharum-Imperata grassland assemblage their needs for catle fodder and thatch grasses and with sward height of about 50cm. Detailed studies on provide suitable habitat for Bengal Floricans and other grassland ecology combined with studies on the ecology grassland species. Farmers should be encouraged to of the Bengal Florican are necessary to understand leave some of the grassland habitats within farmlands their habitat preferences which can guide management especially during Bengal Florican’s breeding season. This interventon to maintain viable populatons (Baral et al. is already happening in Chitwan Natonal Park bufer 2013). zone in East Nawalparasi District, where a community- The species faces a number of threats in Nepal. managed grassland is working along similar lines to Very small areas of suitable habitat remain, and that of community forestry (Chitwan Natonal Park these are mainly within protected areas. At present, 2016). Relevant natonal and local NGOs should buy and the grasslands of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and manage fallow-land and grassland areas along the Koshi Shuklaphanta Natonal Park provide the best habitats for River (and other major river courses in Nepal). Similar this species. In Chitwan and Bardia Natonal Parks, single initatves should be promoted in adjoining parts of India habitat patches suitable for Bengal Florican have been and establish transboundary cooperaton to restore reduced to less than 50ha. Even in protected areas, the river habitat corridors facilitatng bird movements. The species is threatened by improper habitat management Nepal Government should create and expand protected by ploughing, grass harvestng and intensive burning, zones along river corridors. leading to a loss of suitable habitat (Poudyal et al. 2008). The feral catle and to some extent Wild Water Bufalo Other signifcant threats are disturbance (overgrazing), Bubalus arnee in Koshi Tappu have helped to keep the susceptbility to predaton and huntng (Poudyal et Saccharum and Imperata grasses short and suitable for al. 2008). In additon, the invasive alien species Bengal Florican. This grazing needs to be monitored and Mikania micrantha which can smother grasslands, has regulated especially during the breeding season of birds, had serious impact on Chitwan Natonal Park and Koshi viz., April to August. Use of heavy machinery by Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve habitats (Siwakot 2007; Baral Project, Government of Bihar, India should be avoided in & Adhikari 2017). At Koshi, feral dogs, fern and wood Koshi Tappu especially during breeding season of April– collectors and an unnatural increase in natve predators, August. Similarly, urgent acton is needed to control Asiatc Golden Jackal Canis aureus and Indian Grey the spread of invasive alien plant species, especially Mongoose Herpestes edwardsi, are additonal threats Mikania micrantha and Parthenium hysterophorus. (Baral et al. 2013). Both natve predators have increased Management with the aim to restore and/ or maintain

Journal of Threatened Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 June 2020 | 12(9): 16006–16012 16011 J TT Status of Bengal Florican in Koshi Tappu WR Baral et al.

areas of intact grasslands should be implemented, based on improved understanding Author details: Hem Sagar Baral studied ecology of grassland birds of foodplain grassland dynamics in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. Natonwide for his PhD from the University of Amsterdam, and has been involved in awareness programme should be conducted through audio-visual media such as conservation for over three decades. He documentaries on Bengal Florican as public support is crucial for the conservaton of is the Country Representative of ZSL’s Nepal offce. Tek Raj Bhatt is a senior threatened species at the grass-root level. programme offcer for ZSL Nepal offce. He is interested in conservation biology and has over 5 years of experience in biodiversity monitoring and research, development and implementation of REFERENCES conservation projects. Sailendra Raj Giri has an MSc in Environmental Science and has been working for ZSL Baker, T. (1981). Birds seen in Nepal, Feb—Mar 1981. Unpublished report. Nepal offce as a feld biologist. His Baral, H.S. (2001). Community Structure and Habitat Associatons of Lowland Grassland Birds in Nepal. main interest is in wildlife ecology and University of Amsterdam and Cardif University. Amsterdam and Cardif, 235pp. has 5 years of experience in biodiversity monitoring and research. Ashok Kumar Baral, H.S. (2016). Birds of Saptakoshi Floodplains. Himalayan Nature, Kathmandu, Nepal, 44pp. Ram is a conservation offcer working Baral, H.S., A.K. Ram, B. Chaudhary, S. Basnet, H. Chaudhary, T. Giri & D. Chaudhary (2012). Conservaton for the Department of National Parks status of Bengal Florican Houbaropsis bengalensis bengalensis (Gmelin, 1789) (Gruiformes: Otdidae) and Wildlife Conservation. Currently in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and adjoining areas, eastern Nepal. Journal of Threatened Taxa 4(3): he is pursuing his PhD studies at the 2464–2469. htps://doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o2948.2464-9 Wildlife Institute of India Dehradun on Asian Elephant ecology and movement. Baral, H.S., A.K. Ram, B. Chaudhary., D. Chaudhary, A. Timilsina, S. Acharya, K. Bindari, S. Acharya, B. Shyam Kumar Shah studied forest tree Acharya, P. Thulung, A. Karki & K.P. Acharya (2013). Survey of Bengal forican Houbaropsis bengaldensis carbon stock for his MSc degree in (Gmelin, 1789) (Gruiformes: Otdidae) in Koshi Tappu Wildife Reserve and adjoining areas, Nepal. Natural Resource Management from the Journal of Threatened taxa 5(7): 4076–4083. htps://doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o3240.4076-83 University of Twente, the Netherlands. He has served as the Chief Conservation Baral, H.S. & B. Adhikari (2017). Mikania micrantha: its status and impact on people and wildlife in Offcer at Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. Nepal, pp. 59–72. In: Ellison, C.A., K.V. Sankaran & S.T. Murphy (eds). Invasive Alien : Impacts on Currently he is the Management Development and Optons for Management. CAB Internatonal, UK, xii +232pp. Offcer at the Department of National Baral, H.S. & C. Inskipp (2005). Important bird areas in Nepal. Bird Conservaton Nepal, Kathmandu and Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Nepal. Laxman Prasad Poudyal holds BirdLife Internatonal, Cambridge. Electronic version accessed on 06 December 2018. an MSc degree in Natural Resource BirdLife Internatonal (2017). Species fact sheet: Haubaropsisbengalensis.htp://www.birdlife.org. Management and Rural Development. Electronic version accessed 4 December 2017. He has served as the Ecologist at the Birdlife Internatonal (2018). Species factsheet: Houbaropsis bengalensis. htp://www.birdlife. Department of National Parks and org. Electronic version accessed 15 November 2018. Wildlife Conservation, and currently is the Chief Conservation Offcer at Chitwan Natonal Park (2016). Grassland Habitat Mapping in Chitwan Natonal Park. Chitwan Natonal Shuklaphanta National Park, Nepal. Park, Chitwan, Nepal, 64pp. Dhiraj Chaudhary has been working Collar, N.J., H.S. Baral, N. Batbayar, G.S. Bhardwaj, N. Brahma, R. Burnside, A.U. Choudhury, O. as a bird guide for 10 years and has Combreau, P.M. Dolman, P.F. Donald, S. Duta, D. Gadham, K. Gore, O.A. Goroshko, C. Hong, G.A. worked for various institutions in the past and has participated in the survey Jathar, R.R.S. Jha, Y.V. Jhala, M.A. Koshkin, B.P. Lahkar, G. Liu, S.P. Mahood, M.B. Morales, S.S. work under the aegis of Himalayan Narwade, T. Natsagdori, A.A. Nefedov, J.P. Silva, J.J. Thakuri, M. Wang, Y. Zhang & A.E. Kessler (2017). Nature. Gitanjali Bhattacharya is a Avertng the extncton of in Asia. Forktail 33: 1–26. conservation biologist specialising in Dahal, B.R., P.J. McGowan & S.J. Browne (2009). An assessment of census techniques, habitat use and integrated landscape management. Her past research has focussed on threats to Swamp Francolin Francolinus gularis in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal. Bird Conservaton grassland and large herbivores. She Internatonal 19(2): 137–147. htps://doi.org/10.1017/S0959270908008083 has designed and led large-scale Dahmer, T.D. (1976). Birds of Kosi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. Unpublished report. transboundary projects focussing on DNPWC (2016). Bengal forican Conservaton Acton Plan. Department of Natonal Parks and Wildlife landscape connectivity working with a Conservaton, Kathmandu, 32pp. multitude of national and international partners including policymakers. She is Donald, P.F. (2007). Adult sex ratos in wild bird populatons. Ibis 149(4): 671–692. htps://doi.org/10.1111/ currently the Head of Global Fundraising j.1474-919X.2007.00724.x at Zoological Society of London and Inskipp, C. & T. Inskipp (1983). Report on a Survey of Bengal Floricans (Houbaropsis bengalensis) in Nepal assists in the development of large- and India, 1982. Internatonal Council for Bird Preservaton (Study Report 2), Cambridge, UK, 54pp. scale funding bids for landscape-wide ajan min nd projects. R A is a senior wildlife Inskipp, C. & T. Inskipp (1991). A Guide to the Birds of Nepal, 2 editon. Christopher Helm, London, biologist at the Zoological Society of 400pp. London with over 30 years of experience Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (2018). Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and Its Bufer Zone Management Plan in African and Asian grassland and (20174/75- 2078/79). Koshi Rappu Wildlife Reserve, Sunsari, Nepal, 214pp. forest ecosystems and in developing long-term conservation projects for Limbu, K.P. & B.R. Subba (2011). Status of key faunal species in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve afer Koshi threatened species. food disaster 2008. Nepalese Journal of Biosciences 1: 41–54. Oates, E.W. (1898). A Manual of The Game Birds of India. A J Combridge and Company, Bombay, ix+431pp. Author contribution: Hem Sagar Packman, C.E., D.A. Showler, N.J. Collar, S. Virak, S.P. Mahood, M. Handschuh, T.D. Evans, H. Chamnan & Baral led the implementation of the P.M. Dolman (2014). Rapid decline of the largest remaining populaton of Bengal Florican Houbaropsis feldwork supported by Ashok Kumar Ram, Shyam Kumar Shah and Dhiraj bengalensis and recommendatons for its conservaton. Bird conservaton internatonal 24(4): 429–437. Chaudhary. Hem Sagar Baral, Tek Raj htps://doi.org/10.1017/S0959270913000567 Bhatt and Sailendra Raj Giri analyzed Poudyal, L.P., P.B. Singh & S. Maharajan (2008). Bengal Florican Houbaropsis bengalensis in Nepal: an the data and wrote the frst draft of the update. Birding Asia 10: 43–47. article. Rajan Amin, Laxman Prasad Poudyal and Gitanjali Bhattacharya Sah, J.P. (1997). Koshi Tappu Wetlands: Nepal’s Ramsar site. IUCN Nepal, Kathmandu, 273pp. contributed to writing the article and for Siwakot, M. (2007). Mikania Weed: A Challenge for Conservatonist. Our Nature 5(1): 70–74. htps://doi. fundraising. All authors reviewed the org/10.3126/on.v5i1.801 article. Turton, J.M. & G.J. Speight (1982). A report on birds seen in Nepal, 1982. (Unpublished).

Threatened Taxa

16012 Journal of Threatened Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 June 2020 | 12(9): 16006–16012

PLATINUM The Journal of Threatened Taxa (JoTT) is dedicated to building evidence for conservaton globally by publishing peer-reviewed artcles online every month at a reasonably rapid rate at www.threatenedtaxa.org. OPEN ACCESS All artcles published in JoTT are registered under Creatve Commons Atributon 4.0 Internatonal License unless otherwise mentoned. JoTT allows allows unrestricted use, reproducton, and distributon of artcles in any medium by providing adequate credit to the author(s) and the source of publicaton.

ISSN 0974-7907 (Online) | ISSN 0974-7893 (Print)

June 2020 | Vol. 12 | No. 9 | Pages: 15967–16194 Date of Publicaton: 26 June 2020 (Online & Print) www.threatenedtaxa.org DOI: 10.11609/jot.2020.12.9.15967-16194

Communicatons DNA barcode reveals the occurrence of Palearctc Olepa schleini Wit et al., 2005 (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctinae) from peninsular India with morphological variatons Dusky Langurs Trachypithecus obscurus (Reid, 1837) (Primates: Cercopithecidae) in and a new subspecies Singapore: potental origin and conficts with natve primate species – Aparna Sureshchandra Kalawate, Shital Pawara, A. Shabnam & K.P. Dinesh, Pp. 16143– – Andie Ang, Sabrina Jabbar & Max Khoo, Pp. 15967–15974 16152

A new report on mixed species associaton between Nilgiri Langurs Semnopithecus johnii Present status of the genus Sphrageidus Maes, 1984 (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: and Tufed Grey Langurs S. priam (Primates: Cercopithecidae) in the Nilgiri Biosphere Lymantriinae) from India Reserve, Western Ghats, India – Amritpal Singh Kaleka, Devinder Singh & Gagan Preet Kour Bali, Pp. 16153–16160 – K.S. Chetan Nag, Pp. 15975–15984 Early stages of Nilgiri Grass Yellow Eurema nilgiriensis (Yata, 1990) (Lepidoptera: A review of the bacular morphology of some Indian bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) Pieridae), with a note on its range extension in the Kerala part of the Western Ghats, – Bhargavi Srinivasulu, Harpreet Kaur, Tariq Ahmed Shah, Gundena Devender, Asad Gopi, India Sreehari Raman & Chelmala Srinivasulu, Pp. 15985–16005 – Balakrishnan Valappil & V.K. Chandrasekharan, Pp. 16161–16165

Status of the Critcally Endangered Bengal Florican Houbaropsis bengalensis (Gmelin, 1789) in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal Notes – Hem Sagar Baral, Tek Raj Bhat, Sailendra Raj Giri, Ashok Kumar Ram, Shyam Kumar Shah, Laxman Prasad Poudyal, Dhiraj Chaudhary, Gitanjali Bhatacharya & Rajan Amin, Breeding site records of three sympatric vultures in a mountainous clif in Kahara- Pp. 16006–16012 Thathri, Jammu & Kashmir, India – Muzafar A. Kichloo, Sudesh Kumar & Neeraj Sharma, Pp. 16166–16169 Observatons on breeding behaviour of a pair of endangered Egyptan Vultures Neophron percnopterus (Linnaeus, 1758) over three breeding seasons in the plains of Punjab, India First distributon record of Elongated Tortoise Indotestudo elongata (Blyth, 1853) – Charn Kumar, Amritpal Singh Kaleka & Sandeep Kaur Thind, Pp. 16013–16020 (Reptlia: Testudines: Testudinidae) from Bihar, India – Arif, Sourabh Verma, Ayesha Mohammad Maslehuddin, Utam, Ambarish Kumar Mall, Additons to the cicada (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadidae) fauna of India: frst report and Gaurav Ojha & Hemkant Roy, Pp. 16170–16172 range extension of four species with notes on their natural history from Meghalaya –Vivek Sarkar, Cuckoo Mahapatra, Pratyush P. Mohapatra & Manoj V. Nair, Pp. 16021–16042 The niche of shrimp stocks (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri Heller, 1862) from southeastern Brazil: a stable isotope approach The perceptons of high school students on the habitat of the crab Ucides cordatus – Keltony de Aquino Ferreira, Leandro Rabello Monteiro & Ana Paula Madeira Di (Linnaeus, 1763) (Crustacea: Decapoda: Ucididae) in northern Rio de Janeiro State, Benedito, Pp. 16173–16176 southeastern Brazil – Laiza Fernanda Quintanilha Ribeiro, Laura Helena de Oliveira Côrtes & Ana Paula Madeira First record of the White Tufed Royal Pratapa deva lila Moore, [1884] (Lepidoptera: Di Benedito, Pp. 16043–16047 Lycaenidae: Theclinae) from Himachal Pradesh, extending its known range westwards – Sanjay Sondhi, Pp. 16177–16179 Woody species diversity from proposed ecologically sensitve area of northern Western Ghats: implicatons for biodiversity management Range extension of the Lilac Silverline Apharits lilacinus to southern Rajasthan and a – M. Tadwalkar, A. Joglekar, M. Mhaskar & A. Patwardhan, Pp. 16048–16063 review of the literature –K.S. Gopi Sundar, Swat Kitur, Vijay Kumar Koli & Utkarsh Prajapat, Pp. 16180–16182 Resolving taxonomic problems in the genus Ceropegia L. (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae) with vegetatve micromorphology A record of gynandromorphism in the libellulid dragonfy Crocothemis servilia (Insecta: – Savita Sanjaykumar Rahangdale & Sanjaykumar Ramlal Rahangdale, Pp. 16064–16076 Odonata) from India – R.V. Renjith & A. Vivek Chandran, Pp. 16183–16186 A checklist of angiosperm fora of low elevaton lateritc hills of northern Kerala, India – K.A. Sreejith, V.B. Sreekumar, P. Prashob, S. Nita, M.P. Prejith & M.S. Sanil, Pp. 16077– Carcass consumpton by Nasuttermes callimorphus (Blatodea: Isoptera) in highland 16098 forests from Brazil – Igor Eloi, Mário Herculano de Oliveira & Maria Avany Bezerra-Gusmão, Pp. 16187– Phytodiversity of chasmophytc habitats at Olichuchatam Waterfalls, Kerala, India 16189 – Arun Christy & Binu Thomas, Pp. 16099–16109 New records of nasutform termite (Nasuttermitnae: Termitdae: Isoptera) from Contributon to the macromycetes of West Bengal, India: 51–56 Meghalaya, India – Diptosh Das, Entaj Tarafder, Meghma Bera, Anirban Roy & Krishnendu Acharya, – Khirod Sankar Das & Sudipta Choudhury, Pp. 16190–16192 Pp. 16110–16122

Corrigendum Short Communicatons Correctons to A citzens science approach to monitoring of the Lion Panthera leo Catalogue of herpetological specimens from peninsular India at the Sálim Ali Centre for (Carnivora: Felidae) populaton in Niokolo-Koba Natonal Park, Senegal Ornithology & Natural History (SACON), India – Dimitri Dagorne, Abdoulaye Kanté & John B. Rose, Pp. 16193–16194 – S.R. Ganesh, S. Bhupathy, P. Karthik, G. Babu Rao & S. Babu, Pp. 16123–16135

Osteological descripton of Indian Skipper Frog Euphlycts cyanophlycts (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from the Western Ghats of India – Pankaj A. Gorule, Sachin M. Gosavi, Sanjay S. Kharat & Chandani R. Verma, Pp. 16136– Publisher & Host 16142

Member

Threatened Taxa