Effects of anthropogenic and ecological factors on Himalayan goral in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, Nepal

The Himalayan goral (Naemorhedus goral) is facing threats, such as habitat degradation and human disturbances, which are increasing. To aid their conservation, it is crucial to understand the anthropogenic and ecological factors that influence Himalayan goral occurrence. We conducted a study in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, Nepal using remote cameras to detect Himalayan gorals during late winter (March 2022) and spring (May 2022). Himalayan gorals were more likely to be detected in late winter (p = 0.253 & PLUSMN; 0.064) compared to spring (p = 0.187 & PLUSMN; 0.056) and the effects of anthropogenic and ecological factors on Himalayan gorals varied between these periods. During late winter, the distance to the nearest human settlement (& beta;settlement = 1.971 & PLUSMN; 1.147) and the number of other wild ungulates detected (& beta;ungulates = 2.954 & PLUSMN; 1.193) had a positive effect on Himalayan goral occurrence. In contrast, only the number of wild ungulate detections (& beta;ungulates = 3.262 & PLUSMN; 1.292) had a positive impact on Himalayan goral occupancy during spring. The number of livestock and carnivores detected during each season did not influence Himalayan goral occupancy. Our results highlight the importance of considering ecological and anthropogenic variables in understanding occupancy and distribution of Himalayan gorals to inform species conservation strategies.

Automated summary

The Himalayan goral is facing increasing threats from habitat degradation and human disturbances. A study conducted in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, Nepal found that Himalayan gorals were more likely to be detected in late winter compared to spring. The factors influencing their occurrence varied between these periods, with the distance to the nearest human settlement and the number of other wild ungulates detected having a positive effect on goral occurrence during late winter, while only the number of wild ungulate detections had a positive impact during spring. The number of livestock and carnivores detected did not influence goral occupancy in both seasons.