Royal Manas National Park and Khaling Wildlife Sanctuary Presented - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Tshering Dorji Royal Manas National Park

Population status of Pygmy Hog in Royal Manas National Park and Khaling Wildlife Sanctuary

Presented to TraMCA Stakeholder Coordination Meeting at Phuentsholing, Bhutan September 9-10, 2014

• RMNP and KWS are the only protected areas in

Bhutan historically known for occurrence of pygmy hog

• Evidence to show current occurrence is poor or

lacking in both the areas

• Probable extinction of pygmy hog indicated by

IUCN

• Validation of species list in both the areas felt

necessary

Rationale of the study

• To generate baseline information to form

scientific basis to validating listing and/or delisting from two areas

• To suggest possible reasons for decline of this

species from the study areas

• To explore potential habitat for restoration of

this species in its historical range

Objectives of the study

Study Areas

• Presence –absence survey

– Sign survey – Camera trap survey

• Population and distribution assessment

– Camera trap – Questionnaire interview

• Habitat and threat assessment

– Habitat (20 m x 20 m) plot – Direct observation

Activities and Methods

• Presence-absence

– In both the study areas, both signs and direct

• bservation by people are lacking

– In KWS, the most recent sighting by local people is five years before – In RMNP, no picture evidence from camera traps

Our preliminary findings

• Based on the availability of suitable habitats,

the chances of occurrence is more likely in RMNP than KWS (See map)

• Local people in KWS revealed that most recent

sighting in 5 to 10 years before

• The decline in population may be due to loss
• f grassland in RMNP
• In KWS, there has been significant loss of

agriculture land

Population and distribution

Landuse 1994 Landuse 2010

Habitat and threats

Possible Threats

• Land use change
• Uncontrolled fire
• Extreme climatic

conditions

• Comprehensive survey within its historical

range

• Initiate population recovery plan
• Map potential habitat
• Explore for substantial financial resources to

save this species from local extinction

Recommendation to park Management

Thank you!