Tiger abundance and ecology in Jigme Dorji National Park, Bhutan

Dendup, Pema; Lham, Choki; Wangchuk, Wangchuk; Jamtsho, Yonten

doi:10.1016/j.gecco.2023.e02378

Cited by 5 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 35 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…In contrast, our findings align with recent genetic analyses of musk deer populations 9 , 19 , which indicate that the western extent of Himalayan musk deer range is in the Annapurna region of Nepal, while the eastern extent of Kashmir musk deer range is situated to the west of the Annapurna region. The current distribution of Himalayan musk deer predicted by our analysis is located within the range of genetically confirmed populations of the species 9 , 57 . Singh et al genetically confirmed the Annapurna region in Nepal as the western limit of Himalayan musk deer 9 , and Guo et al genetically confirmed that the population of musk deer to the north of Kanchenjunga in eastern Nepal (in Tibet) is of Himalayan musk deer 57 .…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 58%

A brighter shade of future climate on Himalayan musk deer Moschus leucogaster

Mainali,

Singh,

Evans

et al. 2023

Sci Rep

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Himalayan musk deer (Moschus leucogaster) is classified as an endangered species by IUCN with a historically misunderstood distribution due to misidentification with other species of musk deer, Moschus spp. Taking advantage of recent genetic analyses confirming the species of various populations in Nepal and China, we produced an accurate estimate of the species’ current and future distribution under multiple climate change scenarios. We collected high-quality occurrence data using systematic surveys of various protected areas of Nepal to train species distribution models. The most influential determinants of the distribution of Himalayan musk deer were precipitation of the driest quarter, temperature seasonality, and annual mean temperature. These variables, and precipitation in particular, determine the vegetation type and structure in the Himalaya, which is strongly correlated with the distribution of Himalayan musk deer. We predicted suitable habitats between the Annapurna and Kanchenjunga region of Nepal Himalaya as well as the adjacent Himalaya in China. Under multiple climate change scenarios, the vast majority (85–89%) of current suitable sites are likely to remain suitable and many new areas of suitable habitat may emerge to the west and north of the current species range in Nepal and China. Two-thirds of current and one-third of future suitable habitats are protected by the extensive network of protected areas in Nepal. The projected large gains in suitable sites may lead to population expansion and conservation gains, only when the threat of overexploitation and population decline is under control.

show abstract

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 58%

A brighter shade of future climate on Himalayan musk deer Moschus leucogaster

Mainali,

Singh,

Evans

et al. 2023

Sci Rep

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Notably, Lingzhi boasts a human population of 440, Lunana 812 and Laya 1090, in contrast to Soe's 219 individuals. Similarly, predicted livestock numbers are significantly higher in these projected areas: Lingzhi at 4249, Lunana at 4283 and Laya at 5832, all surpassing Soe's 2186 livestock (Dendup, Dorji, Jamtsho, Wangchuk, Gyeltshen et al, 2021). Given the anticipated growth in both human and livestock populations, the Bhutan poppy's survival prospects in this future scenario appear challenging, with an expected escalation in threats to its existence.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Similar conservation threats were reported in the Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve in a study on the white poppy ( M. superba , Prain 1896) (Wangyal et al, 2023). The livelihood of the people in Soe Gewog revolves around yak rearing and the transportation of goods, with the area housing approximately 2186 livestock (yaks, horses and mules) (Dendup, Dorji, Jamtsho, Wangchuk, Gyeltshen et al, 2021). The grazing of these livestock in the Bhutan poppy habitat inevitably leads to trampling, which can be devastating for these rare plants.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Biophysical characteristics, distribution and conservation challenges of critically endangered Bhutan poppy (Papaver bhutanicum) in Jigme Dorji National Park, Bhutan

Dendup,

Kuenzang,

Dorji

et al. 2024

Integrative Conservation

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The occurrence of certain rare plant species in specific ecological habitats is intricately linked to a myriad of environmental conditions, encompassing both biotic and abiotic factors. The prioritisation of monitoring efforts becomes more impactful when conservationists possess a comprehensive understanding of the ecology and distribution of rare species within their designated habitats and across the entire range of the species. In September 2023, a study was conducted in Jigme Dorji National Park to assess the ecology, distribution and threats to the critically endangered Bhutan poppy. This survey, employing random sampling, covered approximately 87 ha across Tshophu, Tshophu base and Jichudrakey base in Soe Gewog and analysed 202 2 × 2 m plots. The survey revealed 57 plant species from 24 families, with Asteraceae (17.5%) and Papaveraceae (12.3%) dominating. Notably, 46% of families comprised a single species, and significant species richness differences were observed between Tshophu, Tshophu base and Jichudrakey base. Correlations between species richness and environmental variables, including slope, rock cover (%), bare soil cover (%) and herb cover (%), were identified as significant. The Bhutan poppy was positively and significantly associated with the southwest aspect, occupying 59% of surveyed plots. Species distribution modelling predicted a distribution area of approximately 37.29 square kilometres within the national park. However, future climate scenarios indicated a significant shift in the distribution of the Bhutan poppy. By 2041–2060, there is an anticipated decrease of 33% in its distribution area, with a shift towards the northeast. In the period from 2061 to 2080, the distribution is expected to increase by 8% from its current range, maintaining the northeast shift. The study identified three primary threats: grazing, trampling and harvesting, with livestock activities prevalent in 92% of plots and signs of harvesting in 45%. These findings provide crucial insights into the ecological dynamics, distribution patterns and potential conservation challenges facing the Bhutan poppy in Jigme Dorji National Park's alpine habitats, emphasising the need for informed conservation strategies amidst changing environmental conditions.

show abstract

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The National Park has been identified as an important source site for tigers (Tempa et al, 2019; Dendup et al, 2023). During the countrywide tiger survey conducted in 2014–2015, six individual tigers were identified in the National Park (Department of Forests and Park Services, 2015), and the 2021–2022 tiger survey also identified six individuals (Dendup, 2022; Dendup et al, 2023). The 2014–2016 countrywide snow leopard survey identified 31 individuals in the National Park, the highest number in a protected area in the country, followed by Wangchuck Centennial National Park with 17 individuals (Thinley et al, 2016).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Photographic evidence suggests habitat overlap and co-occurrence of tigers and snow leopards in Jigme Dorji National Park, Bhutan

Dendup¹,

Lham²

2023

Oryx

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The Endangered tiger Panthera tigris and Vulnerable snow leopard Panthera uncia are umbrella species and conservation priorities. Jigme Dorji National Park is an important protected area for the conservation of both species because it serves as a source site for tigers to adjacent areas and has the largest snow leopard population in Bhutan. Habitat overlap of tigers and snow leopards in Bhutan has been previously reported based on evidence of tigers (pugmarks, livestock killed and camera-trap images) in known snow leopard habitat above 4,000 m altitude. Here we report the first photographic evidence of both tigers and snow leopards at the same locations, confirming habitat overlap and co-occurrence of the two species. The data are derived from the countrywide tiger survey carried out during October 2021–January 2022. Fifty-six pairs of camera traps were installed in a 5 × 5 km grid at an altitude range of 1,200–4,300 m. After a survey effort of 1,528 trap-nights, 478 tiger images and 31 snow leopard images were captured at 12 and three camera stations, respectively. At all three camera stations that captured snow leopard images, tigers were also captured. These findings indicate the habitat overlap and co-occurrence of tigers and snow leopards in Jigme Dorji National Park. Further research is required to inform conservation practice in the National Park focusing on these apex predators.

show abstract

Tiger abundance and ecology in Jigme Dorji National Park, Bhutan

Cited by 5 publications

References 35 publications

A brighter shade of future climate on Himalayan musk deer Moschus leucogaster

A brighter shade of future climate on Himalayan musk deer Moschus leucogaster

Biophysical characteristics, distribution and conservation challenges of critically endangered Bhutan poppy (Papaver bhutanicum) in Jigme Dorji National Park, Bhutan

Photographic evidence suggests habitat overlap and co-occurrence of tigers and snow leopards in Jigme Dorji National Park, Bhutan

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About