Asiatic Black Bear-Human Conflict: A Case Study from Guthichaur Rural Municipality, Jumla, Nepal.

Our study assessed patterns of Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus)-human conflicts within the Guthichaur rural municipality, Jumla, Nepal. Through semi-structured interviews with villagers, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews (KIIs), we gathered black bear-human conflict information from 2009 to 2019. We identified three primary types of black bear-human interactions: crop damage, livestock depredation, and human injuries. Of these, crop damage (77.03%) emerged as the most prevalent issue. Notably, peak occurrences were observed during autumn (September-October) typically between 9 PM and 3 AM. Livestock depredations were more frequent during nighttime in April-August, with cows/ox (70.12%) being the most depredated animal. Our data also revealed five recorded cases of black bear attacks on humans, which transpired from September to October, primarily in farmland areas in varying years. Despite a prevailing negative perception of bears, a notable level of support exists for their conservation efforts among local communities. Furthermore, these conflicts could be mitigated by reinforcing indigenous crop protection methods and implementing targeted mitigation strategies, as observed in other regions with successful black bear-human interaction management.

"Shelf Technique" in braided stent (Leo Baby) in wide-necked intracranial aneurysm.

A 42-year-old female presented with sudden onset severe headache without loss of consciousness 4 days back. Non-contrast computed tomography scan of the brain showed subarachnoid hemorrhage, and angiography showed a wide-necked aneurysm in the right middle cerebral artery (MCA) bifurcation, incorporating the superior division of right M2 MCA and another small aneurysm in the inferior division of right M2 MCA. Because of the wide-necked ruptured aneurysm and another in the inferior division of right M2 MCA, braided stent-assisted coiling (Leo baby) with shelving was done to protect both the aneurysms and to protect the superior branch of M2 MCA. The patient tolerated the procedure well and had an uneventful recovery. In this report, we have also reviewed and discussed the challenges, advantages, and disadvantages of the newly discovered shelving technique with a braided stent for wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms.

Landscape predictors influencing livestock depredation by leopards in and around Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal.

Livestock depredation by leopards is a pervasive issue across many Asian and African range countries, particularly in and around protected areas. Developing effective conflict mitigation strategies requires understanding the landscape features influencing livestock depredation. In this study, we investigated predictors associated with livestock depredation by leopards using 274 cases of leopard attacks on livestock that occurred between 2017 and 2020 in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal. We also examined how livestock predation by leopards varied depending on the species, season, and time. A generalized linear model with binary logistic regression was used to test the statistical significance of variables associated with the presence and absence of conflict sites. The results revealed that the area of forest, agricultural land, length of rivers, slope, proximity to settlements and protected areas, and elevation significantly predicted the probability of leopard attacks on livestock. We also observed a significant increase in the incidence of leopard predation on livestock with decreasing slopes and rising elevations. The areas near human settlements and the protected areas faced a higher risk of leopard predation. The incidence of leopard predation on livestock varied significantly depending on the livestock species, season, and time. Goats were the most highly predated livestock, followed by sheep, cow/ox, and buffalo. A total of 289.11 km2 (or around 5% of the research area) was deemed to be at high risk for leopard predation on livestock. This study's comprehensive understanding of human-leopard conflicts provides valuable insights for planning and implementing measures to reduce damage caused by leopard populations throughout their range.

Pituitary apoplexy presenting as isolated third cranial nerve palsy: case series.

Pituitary apoplexy (PA) is caused by a sudden increase in pressure in the pituitary region due to acute hemorrhage, infarction or necrosis. PA can also be caused by restricting blood supply to the nerve due to compression of the internal carotid artery. Acute third cranial nerve palsy (third CN) secondary to PA is a rare medical emergency caused by bleeding within a growing mass within the sella turcica. We presented two cases of PA with isolated third CN palsy treated with transsphenoidal pituitary decompression. PA is therefore an important differential diagnosis to consider in patients with isolated third nerve palsy. The prognosis for isolated third nerve palsy in PA appeared successful, with variable recovery from medical and surgical intervention.

Status, distribution and habitat use by Mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) in and around Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal.

Mugger crocodile is found in various locations of Nepal, ranging from Eastern to Western lowlands, and is also a resident crocodilian of the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (KTWR). Fewer studies have been carried out on the status and distribution of this crocodilian with limited information on its habitat characteristics. This study sets forth to highlight the population status, distribution and habitat use by mugger crocodile in and around KTWR. Detailed surveys were conducted in the rivers, natural and private ponds of the KTWR in December 2020. Every 500 m along the survey transects, habitat characteristics were recorded in each habitat station as part of the habitat survey. The dependent variables were presence or absence of mugger crocodile in each habitat station. Meanwhile, the independent variables included habitat predictors such as; water depth, slope, elevation, distance to roads, distance to settlements, bank substrate, and human disturbance. Generalized Linear Model under binary logistic regression was employed to test variables associated with presence and absence of muggers for statistical significance. The population survey of the muggers was assessed by day counts either using dugout canoe or walking along transects. During the research period, 35 individuals of muggers were recorded. The probability of mugger sighting augmented with increased slope and depth. 34 muggers (97.14 %) were basking, while 1 (2.85%) were seen swimming out of the total muggers detected. In private and public ponds, 22 muggers were sighted, while 13 were sighted in the main Koshi river, its branches, and the Moriya river. Sixteen muggers (45.71 %) were sighted within the reserve, while the remaining 19 muggers (54.28 %) were sighted in the buffer-zone areas. The probability of mugger sighting varied considerably with regard to slope and water depth among the seven habitat predictors examined. In lieu of prevailing fishing pressure in the river systems of the KTWR and easy availability of prey species for muggers in private fishponds; the muggers are likely use private fishponds more frequently. In order to subdue the muggers inside the KTWR, the reserve authority has a vital role for proper habitat management decisions and regulation of fishing activities.