Paphiopedilum fairrieanum, P. spicerianum, and P. venustum (Orchidaceae: Cypripedioideae) are reported to occur in Bhutan, of which the former is known to be Critically Endangered and the latter two are Endangered. Based on numerous field trips conducted over the last decade, populations of P. fairrieanum and P. venustum were located in Bhutan. No individual of P. spicerianum, however, was found despite many search attempts. Its occurrence in Bhutan may have been originally erroneous. Based on the accessibility of the habitats, six 10m × 10m quadrats were defined to enumerate the plant species found in the Paphiopedilum habitats. Vegetation analyses and cluster dendrograms of the plant species composition indicated the presence of three forest types with distinct species compositions. Paphiopedilum fairrieanum was found growing mainly as a lithophyte on seasonally dry limestone cliffs or on limestone outcrops with a comparatively open forest canopy. These populations were mostly located on southwest- or northwest-facing slopes with soil pH ranging from 7.1 to 7.8. Paphiopedilum venustum, in contrast, was a ground-dwelling species restricted to relatively dense forests with soil pH ranging from 7.1 to 7.5.
Natural saltlicks are used by mammal species mainly to supplement mineral deficiency playing critical role in animal ecology. There is information gap on the use of natural saltlicks by mammals in Bhutan. Nine natural saltlicks from Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary were purposively selected to fill this gap of information. The study aimed to assess mineral composition and ecological behaviour of mammals at natural saltlicks. Nine composite soil samples were randomly collected and nine camera traps were set up at nine saltlicks for a duration of 56 days from 2 January to 28 February, 2019. Data management and analysis were carried out using camerabase and R software. Potassium, phosphorus and sodium elements were found in the saltlicks. Camera traps yielded 419 independent events of 12 species under 10 families. Herbivores were most common (n = 390) and non-herbivores the least (n = 12). Wild dog was also captured licking salts (n = 1) which is least reported across the world. Mineral composition (r = 0.70, p < .05) and anthropogenic activities (r = 0.60, p < .05) were key factors affecting the visitation rate and ecological behaviour of mammal species. Disturbed saltlicks from Samdrupcholing Range revealed fewer individuals of mammals (n = 71) with disturbed ecological behaviour while undisturbed saltlicks from Jomotsangkha Range revealed higher individuals of mammals (n = 340) with undisturbed ecological behaviour. Therefore, anthropogenic activities at disturbed saltlicks call for planned monitoring.
We report first country record of Boiga quincunciata (Wall, 1908) (Squamata: Colubridae) from Bhutan. This addition increases the ophidian fauna of Bhutan to 70 species and adds the seventh species of snake within the genus Boiga.
Abundance and Distribution of Asiatic Golden Cat (Catopumma teminckii Vigors and Horsfield) and Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa Grifith) in Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhutan
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