Assessing Habitat Occupancy of Chevrotains (Moschiola meminna and Moschiola kathygre) in Sri Lanka

A study assessing the habitat occupancy of chevrotains in Sri Lanka reveals distinct differences between the two endemic species. In Sinharaja Forest Reserve, the White-spotted Chevrotain (Moschiola meminna) shows high and stable occupancy across all habitats, suggesting widespread abundance. Conversely, in Wilpattu National Park, occupancy is lower and influenced by habitat features such as litter cover, distance to water, and leopard relative abundance, with tropical thorn forests supporting the highest occupancy. The research used camera trapping and occupancy modeling via PRESENCE software to analyze detection histories over multiple survey periods. These findings underscore the need for site-specific conservation strategies: sustaining current conditions in Sinharaja while addressing habitat degradation in Wilpattu.

Tharinduni, W.A.L., Hippala, H.M.U.K., Jayasekara, E.G.D.P., & Mahaulpatha, W.A.D. (2026). Assessing Habitat Occupancy of Chevrotains (Moschiola meminna and Moschiola kathygre) in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of International Forestry and Environment Symposium, 30. https://doi.org/10.31357/fesympo.v30.8905