Ecological and anthropogenic factors influencing the Summer habitat use of Bos gaurus and its conservation threats in Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Uncontrolled fire, invasive species, human disturbances, and climate change pose the most significant threats to the gaur population (Bos gaurus) in Chitwan National Park, Nepal. This study identified key ecological and anthropogenic factors influencing their summer habitat use, including a preference for dense forests and proximity to roads or firelines while avoiding areas with predators. Researchers used binary logistic regression models to analyze these influences and ranked conservation threats using the relative whole-site threat ranking method. Effective habitat management strategies, such as maintaining firelines, controlling invasive species, and managing grasslands, are recommended to sustain gaur populations and associated herbivores. Future research should expand geographically and temporally to assess long-term habitat suitability.

Poudel, S., Pokhrel, B., Neupane, B., Miya, M. S., Kc, N., Basyal, C. R., Neupane, A., & Dhami, B. (2024). Ecological and anthropogenic factors influencing the Summer habitat use of Bos gaurus and its conservation threats in Chitwan National Park, Nepal. PeerJ, 12, e18035. Portico. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18035