Identification of suitable habitat for Swamp Deer Rucervus duvaucelii duvaucelii (Mammalia: Artiodactyla: Cervidae) in Chitwan National Park, Nepal

A study identifies 14.57 km² of Chitwan National Park, Nepal, as highly suitable habitat for the critically endangered Swamp Deer (Rucervus duvaucelii duvaucelii), with an additional 134.87 km² deemed suitable. The research used multi-criteria analysis in GIS and vegetation assessments to determine that grasslands dominated by Saccharum spp., Imperata cylindrica, Narenga porphyrocoma, and Apluda mutica—particularly short grasslands of the Poaceae family—are preferred by Swamp Deer. Padampur Phanta is highlighted as a prime site for reintroduction due to its optimal conditions. However, invasive species like Mikania micrantha and Eichhornia crassipes pose threats to habitat suitability. This finding offers critical insights for conservation efforts in one of the last strongholds for this threatened deer species.

Ghimire, S. K., Dhamala, M. K., Lamichhane, B. R., Ranabhat, R., Bahadur KC, K., & Poudel, S. (2019). Identification of suitable habitat for Swamp Deer Rucervus duvaucelii duvaucelii (Mammalia: Artiodactyla: Cervidae) in Chitwan National Park, Nepal. Journal of Threatened Taxa, 11(6), 13644–13653. https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.4129.11.6.13644-13653