Ecological correlates of the spatial co-occurrence of sympatric mammalian carnivores worldwide.

The composition of local mammalian carnivore communities has far-reaching effects on terrestrial ecosystems worldwide. To better understand how carnivore communities are structured, we analysed camera trap data for 108 087 trap days across 12 countries spanning five continents. We estimate local probabilities of co-occurrence among 768 species pairs from the order Carnivora and evaluate how shared ecological traits correlate with probabilities of co-occurrence. Within individual study areas, species pairs co-occurred more frequently than expected at random. Co-occurrence probabilities were greatest for species pairs that shared ecological traits including similar body size, temporal activity pattern and diet. However, co-occurrence decreased as compared to other species pairs when the pair included a large-bodied carnivore. Our results suggest that a combination of shared traits and top-down regulation by large carnivores shape local carnivore communities globally.

Health care service utilization among elderly in rural setting of Gandaki province, Nepal: a mixed method study.

Introduction: Globally, one in every six people will be elderly by 2030. In Nepal, there has been a notable rise in the aging and elderly. Addressing the healthcare needs of them is crucial. Despite the different efforts to advocate for healthy aging, various factors continue to limit this process. This paper aims to explore the utilization of healthcare services among the elderly population and uncover influences on the ability to access these services. Method: A mixed-method community-based study was conducted in Bihadi Rural Municipality of Parbat, Nepal. The quantitative segment involved interviews with 355 individuals aged ≥60 years, while 18 respondents were enlisted for in-depth interviews. We used descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and logistic regression in quantitative analysis. Similarly, content and thematic analysis were performed in the qualitative component. Results: This study reported that health service utilization among the respondents was 65.4%. Among the factors ethnicity (OR 3.728, 95% CI 1.062-15.887), not good health status (OR 2.943, 95% CI 1.15-8.046), bus as means of transportation (OR 8.397, 95% CI 1.587-55.091) had higher odds whereas government hospital (OR 0.046, 95% CI 0.009-0.193), not always available health staffs (OR 0.375, 95% CI 0.147-0.931), not sufficient medicine (OR 0.372, 95% CI 0.143-0.924), not available medicine (OR 0.014, 95% CI 0.002-0.068) had lower odds for health service utilization. Other factors identified from qualitative components include long waiting times, insufficient medicine, lack of trained health personnel, financial capacity, low utilization of health insurance, distance, and support from family members. Conclusions: Nonetheless, a portion of the elderly remained excluded from mainstream of healthcare services. A combination of social, healthcare-related, and individual factors influences the utilization of healthcare services. To ensure elderly-friendly services, prioritize geriatric care training, secure medication availability, and establish a dedicated health insurance program for them. In the current federal context, localizing evidence-based, innovative strategies to address the healthcare needs of the elderly is crucial.

Berry Pomace Extracts as a Natural Washing Aid to Mitigate Enterohaemorrhagic E. coli in Fresh Produce.

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) outbreaks have been frequently linked to the consumption of produce. Furthermore, produce grown on organic farms possess a higher risk, as the farmers avoid antibiotics and chemicals. This study sets out to evaluate the effectiveness of advanced postharvest disinfection processes using berry pomace extracts (BPEs) in reducing EHEC load in two common leafy greens, spinach and lettuce. Spinach and lettuce were inoculated with ~5 log CFU/leaf EHEC EDL-933 and then treated with three different concentrations of BPE (1, 1.5, and 2 gallic acid equivalent, GAE mg/mL) for increasing periods of time. After the wash, the bacteria were quantified. Changes in the relative expression of virulence genes and the genes involved in cell division and replication and response against stress/antibiotics were studied. We observed a significant reduction in EHEC EDL933, ranging from 0.5 to 1.6 log CFU/spinach leaf (p < 0.05) washed with BPE water. A similar trend of reduction, ranging from 0.3 to 1.3 log CFU/mL, was observed in pre-inoculated lettuce washed with BPE water. We also quantified the remaining bacterial population in the residual treatment solutions and found the survived bacterial cells (~3 log CFU/mL) were low despite repeated washing with the same solution. In addition, we evaluated the phenolic concentration in leftover BPE, which did not change significantly, even after multiple uses. Alterations in gene expression levels were observed, with downregulation ranging from 1 to 3 log folds in the genes responsible for the adhesion and virulence of EHEC EDL933 and significant upregulation of genes responsible for survival against stress. All other genes were upregulated, ranging from 2 to 7 log folds, with a dose-dependent decrease in expression. This finding shows the potential of BPE to be used for sanitation of fresh produce as a natural and sustainable approach.

Factors Associated with Utilization of Postnatal Care Services.

BACKGROUND: Preventable causes of death accounts for 810 women per day. Care provided during the child-bearing and after the childbirth is of vital importance. Despite of the facts, many women in developing world deprive of this service. Therefore, this study aims to explore the contributing factors for Postnatal care service in urban areas of Chitwan, Nepal. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 212 mothers who delivered within last one year. Data collection was conducted through pre-tested questionnaire in Nepali language after taking ethical approval and informed consent. Descriptive and bi-variate statistics were applied in analysis. RESULTS: Higher number of mothers (39.2%) were in 25-29 years age groups. Hindu were 89.6% and Janajati were 70.7%. Mothers (26.4%) reported to reach nearest health facilities on foot by 30 minutes or more. Nearest health facility had twenty-four hours seven days a week maternal health services for 57.5% of mothers. Antenatal visitors were 83.9% and 96.7% reported institutional delivery. About 27.8% mothers were aware about Postnatal care; 48.1% were aware about maternal complications; 98.1% mothers had at least one PNC visit; and 34.4% reported Postnatal care visit as per protocol. Lack of counseling (52.6%) was one of the main reasons for not completing Postnatal care. Age factor, husband's education, health service-related variables, availability of essential drugs and equipment in health facilities influenced Postnatal care. CONCLUSIONS: Fewer mothers reported about complete Postnatal care service. Socio-economic factors, health service-related factors, experience of mothers on their previous childbirth also contributed to complete Postnatal care.

Unveiling the Potential Ways to Apply Citrus Oil to Control Causative Agents of Pullorum Disease and Fowl Typhoid in Floor Materials.

This study investigates the potential role of Cold-pressed Valencia Terpeneless citrus oil (CO), as a natural antimicrobial, in controlling causative agents of pullorum disease and fowl typhoid in floor materials for poultry farming, specifically wooden chips. The study addresses the issues that have arisen as a result of the reduction in antibiotic use in poultry farming, which has resulted in the re-emergence of bacterial diseases including salmonellosis. CO efficiently inhibits the growth of pathogens including various serovars of Salmonella enterica (SE), including SE serovar Gallinarum (S. Gallinarum) and SE serovar Pullorum (S. Pullorum), in a dose-dependent manner. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of CO showed potential for controlling diverse S. Gallinarum and S. Pullorum isolates. Growth inhibition assays demonstrated that 0.4% (v/w) CO eliminated S. Pullorum and S. Gallinarum from 24 h onwards, also impacting poultry gut microbiota and probiotic strains. Floor material simulation, specifically wooden chips treated with 0.4% CO, confirmed CO's effectiveness in preventing S. Gallinarum and S. Pullorum growth on poultry house floors. This study also investigated the effect of CO on the expression of virulence genes in S. Gallinarum and S. Pullorum. Specifically, the study revealed that the application of CO resulted in a downregulation trend in virulence genes, including spiA, invA, spaN, sitC, and sifA, in both S. Pullorum and S. Gallinarum, implying that CO may alter the pathogenicity of these bacterial pathogens. Overall, this study reveals that CO has the potential to be used as a natural antimicrobial in the prevention and management of Salmonella-related infections in chicken production, offering a viable alternative to control these re-emerging diseases.

Carbonated tiger-high above-ground biomass carbon stock in protected areas and corridors and its observed negative relationship with tiger population density and occupancy in the Terai Arc Landscape, Nepal.

Healthy natural forests maintain and/or enhances carbon stock while also providing potential habitat and an array of services to wildlife including large carnivores such as the tiger. This study is the first of its kind in assessing relationships between above-ground biomass carbon stock, tiger density and occupancy probability and its status in protected areas, corridors, and forest connectivity blocks. The dataset used to assess the relationship were: (1) Converged posterior tiger density estimates from camera trap data derived from Bayesian- Spatially Explicit Capture-Recapture model from Chitwan National Park; (2) Site wise probability of tiger occupancy estimated across the Terai Arc Landscape and (3) Habitat wise above-ground biomass carbon stock estimated across the Terai Arc Landscape. Carbon stock maps were derived based on eight habitat classes and conservation units linking satellite (Landsat 7 ETM+) images and field collected sampling data. A significant negative relationship (r = -0.20, p<0.01) was observed between above-ground biomass carbon stock and tiger density in Chitwan National Park and with tiger occupancy (r = -0.24, p = 0.023) in the landscape. Within protected areas, we found highest mean above-ground biomass carbon stock in high density mixed forest (~223 tC/ha) and low in degraded scrubland (~73.2 tC/ha). Similarly, we found: (1) highest tiger density ~ 0.06 individuals per 0.33 km2 in the riverine forest and lowest estimates (~0.00) in degraded scrubland; and (2) predictive tiger density of 0.0135 individuals per 0.33 km2 is equivalent to mean total of 43.7 tC/ha in Chitwan National Park. Comparatively, we found similar above-ground biomass carbon stock among corridors, large forest connectivity blocks (~117 tC/ha), and within in tiger bearing protected areas (~119 tC/ha). Carbon conservation through forest restoration particularly in riverine habitats (forest and grassland) and low transitional state forests (degraded scrubland) provides immense opportunities to generate win-win solutions, sequester more carbon and maintain habitat integrity for tigers and other large predators.

Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) conservation in Bardia National Park, Nepal: Assessing population structure and habitat characteristics along the river channel amidst infrastructure development.

Nepal initiated numerous hydropower and irrigation-related infrastructure projects to enhance and promote green energy, water security, and agricultural productivity. However, these projects may pose risks to natural habitats and the well-being of aquatic fauna, leading to significant effects on delicate ecosystems. To understand these potential impacts, it is crucial to gather reliable baseline data on the population status and habitat characteristics of species. This study specifically focuses on Gharials (Gavialis gangeticus), a critically endangered species. We recorded data on pre-determined habitat variables at stations spaced 500 m apart along the two major river streams of Bardia National Park, as well as at locations where Gharials were sighted between February and March 2023. We used binary logistic regression with a logit link function to investigate the habitat characteristics related to the occurrence of Gharials. The presence/absence of Gharials at sampling points served as the dependent variable, while 10 other predetermined variables (ecological variables and disturbance variables) served as independent variables. Our study recorded 23 Gharials, comprising 14 adults, six sub-adults, and three juveniles, with a sex ratio of 55.56 males per 100 females. Most individuals (83%) were found basking. Among the 10 habitat predictors, three variables (mid-river depth, river width, and water temperature) were significantly correlated (p < .05) with the probability of Gharial occurrence. The model shows that Gharial detection probability increases with greater mid-river depth and width and lower water temperature. This study establishes a population baseline for Gharials within the river system before the construction of large infrastructure projects, such as dams and irrigation canals. It also recommends continuous monitoring of Gharial populations after water release and/or diversion to evaluate the impact of large infrastructure projects on the population and their associated habitat characteristics. This will help enable more informed and targeted conservation efforts.

Wildlife in climate refugia: Mammalian diversity, occupancy, and tiger distribution in the Western Himalayas, Nepal.

Anthropogenic land-use change continues to be predicated as a major driver of terrestrial biodiversity loss for the rest of this century. It has been determined that the effect of climate change on wildlife population will accelerate the rate and process of decline of global vertebrate populations. We investigated wildlife composition, occupancy, and activity pattern along the larger climate resilient forests that serve as microrefugia for a wide range of species under the escalating climate change. We used camera trap survey covering 250 km2 of climate microrefugia in Dadeldhura hills in far western region of Nepal. We used 62 trapping locations accumulating 1800 trap nights taking 98,916 photographs in 62 days-survey period during the summer season of 2020. We photographed 23 mammalian species with estimated species richness of 30 species (95% CI: 25-34) based on multi-species occupancy model. We estimated overall species occupancy ψ(SE(ψ)) to be 0.87 (0.09) in climatic microrefugia. While human activity predominated throughout the day, the majority of animals was found to exhibit nocturnal temporal patterns. Tiger and hyaena, two of the top predators, were newly discovered in the western Himalayan range of Nepal, with their discovery at the 34 highest elevations of 2511 meters and 2000m, respectively. In Nepal, high-altitude tiger range is characterized by tiger distribution above a 2000 m cutoff representing habitats in the physiographic zone of high mountains and above. Our findings establish a baseline and show that the climatic microrefugia that have been identified have high levels of species richness and occupancy, which characterize the Dadeldhura hill forest ranges as biologically varied and ecologically significant habitat. These areas identified as climatic microrefugia habitats should be the focus of conservation efforts, particularly efforts to reduce human disturbance and adapt to climate change.

Associated Factors for Dropout of First Vs Third Doses of Diphtheria Tetanus Pertussis (DPT) Vaccination in Nepal.

BACKGROUND: Immunization acts as a key intervention to reduce under-five mortality and morbidity. Despite global progress on vaccination, difficulties in the utilization of this service in developing countries have been observed. According to Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2016, only 78% of children received a complete dose of vaccine among which the first-dose receiver of DPT is 98%, whereas only 83% received a third dose. This study aims to explore the influencing factors of DPT vaccination dropout in Nepal. METHODS: The explorative study was done through secondary data analysis of NDHS 2016. The KR file was used for the analysis of information for 2883 children. Factors influencing dropout of DPT vaccination were explored against the independent variables such as external environment, predisposing factors, and enabling resources. All the analyses were weighted before the analysis. The descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were performed. The variables showing collinearity have been removed in the final model. RESULTS: A higher dropout was reported in Terai (18.9%) and province 2 (22.0%), among uneducated mothers (18.1%) and uneducated fathers (19.4%), less than once a week internet users (22.2%), the nonradio listener (17.4%), who had <4 ANC visits (22.7%), home delivery (19.2%), no advised SBA (19.1%), long distance to health facility (17.9%), no iron supplementation in pregnancy (24.3%), and PNC by TBA/others (21.1%). All these tested relationships were found statistically significant (P value <0.05). The aOR for dropout was found to be 7.94 (4.07-15.51) for mothers with less than 4 or no ANC visit, long distance to health facility 4.68 (1.98-10.67), province 2 3.53 (1.13-11.03), and mother without formal employment 2.33 (1.52-3.55). CONCLUSION: Factors related to health services, distance, provinces, and socioeconomic status of the family were influencers for vaccine dropout. Targeted intervention towards disadvantaged regions, counseling the mother during ANC, improving the education status of parents, access to the health facility, and use of mass media for advocacy are hereby recommended.

Determinants of Junk Food Consumption Among Adolescents in Pokhara Valley, Nepal.

Background: Junk food consumption and its consequences has become a major public health concern globally because of its deteriorating health consequences and surging prevalence. Though its adverse health consequences are widely prevalent in all age groups, children and adolescents are more at risk. It may lead to obesity and act as a risk factor for different non-communicable diseases (NCD's) like heart diseases, cardiovascular disease, cancer, hypertension, diabetes, etc. This study was carried out to explore the junk food consumption and its associated factors among adolescent students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 538 adolescent students of Kaski district, Nepal. We used a stratified proportionate sampling technique to recruit the participants. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive and bivariate statistical analysis was performed. The odds ratio was computed to test the association. Results: The study found that more than half of the participants (60.30%) consumed junk foods over the last 30 days, more prevalent among public school participants (65.1%) followed by participants of private school (56.3%). More than half of the participants consumed salty snacks (58.7%) followed by sweets (57.5%). The time of consumption was found to be higher together with friends (83.9%). Similarly, it was consumed more while the participants were on a trip (70.1%). Consumption of junk foods was significantly associated with public school (OR: 1.44, CI = 1.01-2.06), single family (OR: 1.46, CI = 1.01-2.10), living with parents (OR: 1.64, CI = 1.03-2.63), while on travel (OR: 1.99, CI = 1.33-2.98), while reading (OR: 2.01, CI = 1.16-3.47), at home (OR: 2.20, CI = 1.53-3.16), at school (OR: 2.86, CI = 1.98-4.12), friends' influence (OR: 2.01, CI = 1.37-2.94), and junk food availability at home (OR: 1.92, CI = 1.33-2.76). Conclusion: Consumption of junk foods among adolescent students was remarkably high in both public school and private school adolescents. Regardless of adequate knowledge on harmful consequences of junk foods, school-going adolescents are consuming junk foods due to its easy availability and ready-to-use packaging. The government of Nepal should strictly standardize and regulate advertising policies and extravagant health claims advertised by junk food manufacturers. An appropriate intervention targeted to adolescents to improve food behaviors is recommended.

Anxiety and depression among people living in quarantine centers during COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed method study from western Nepal.

BACKGROUND: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, incoming travelers were quarantined at specific centers in Nepal and major checkpoints in Nepal-India border. Nepal adopted a generic public health approaches to control and quarantine returnee migrants, with little attention towards the quality of quarantine facilities and its aftermath, such as the poor mental health of the returnee migrants. The main objective of this study was to explore the status of anxiety and depression, and factors affecting them among returnee migrants living in institutional quarantine centers of western Nepal. METHODS: A mixed method approach in this study included a quantitative survey and in-depth interviews (IDIs) among respondents in quarantine centers of Karnali province between 21st April and 15th May 2020. Survey questionnaire utilized Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) tools, which were administered among 441 quarantined returnee migrants. IDIs were conducted among 12 participants which included a mix of six quarantined migrants and healthcare workers each from the quarantine centres. Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted on quantitative data; and thematic analysis was utilized for qualitative data. RESULTS: Mild depression (9.1%; 40/441) and anxiety (16.1%; 71/441) was common among respondents followed by moderate depression and anxiety {depression (3.4%; 15/441), anxiety (4.1%; 18/441)} and severe depression and anxiety {depression (1.1%; 5/441), anxiety (0.7%; 3/441)}. Anxiety and depression were independent of their socio-demographic characteristics. Perceived fear of contracting COVID-19, severity and death were prominent among the respondents. Respondents experienced stigma and discrimination in addition to being at the risk of disease and possible loss of employment and financial responsibilities. In addition, poor (quality and access to) health services, and poor living condition at the quarantine centres adversely affected respondents' mental health. CONCLUSION: Depression and anxiety were high among quarantined population and warrants more research. Institutional quarantine centers of Karnali province of Nepal were in poor conditions which adversely impacted mental health of the respondents. Poor resource allocation for health, hygiene and living conditions can be counterproductive to the population quarantined.

Risky Behaviours among Adolescent Students of Pokhara Valley: A School-Based Cross-sectional Survey.

BACKGROUND: Adolescence is the period of physical and mental vulnerabilities where health risk behaviours are common due to their experimental nature and decision-making power. A higher prevalence of risky behaviours among adolescents has been reported globally which resulted in adverse effects on health and wellbeing. The present study aims to explore the overall prevalence of health risk behaviours among adolescents. METHODS: This study was conducted in 2014 using the WHO guideline of a Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS) in the Pokhara valley of Nepal using a stratified clustered sampling technique. A descriptive study was conducted among 1190 adolescent school students of the valley. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The data were analysed using SPSS for descriptive statistics. RESULTS: The response rate of the participants was 95.35%. The prevalence of the current use of tobacco, alcohol, and drug was 15.9%, 17.1%, and 4.1% respectively. The mean age of first use of tobacco, alcohol, and drug was found 14.07±1.82, 14.19±1.78, and 15.52±1.61 years respectively. Two third (66.4%) of the participants reported having sexual intercourse one or two times within the last 12 months. Among them, 21.4 % reported no use of condoms during sexual intercourse. The mean age of first sexual intercourse was 14.69±1.56 years. Similarly, 42.2% reported being injured in the past 12 months of study. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows a higher prevalence of health risk behaviours among adolescents. Tobacco, drug, alcohol use, and risky sexual activities were initiated at a younger age.

Factors Influencing Birth Preparedness in Rapti Municipality of Chitwan, Nepal.

INTRODUCTION: Birth preparedness is crucial for health quality of mother and newborn and acts as a strong contributor in mitigating maternal and newborn mortalities. Different factors are predicted to have an influence upon birth preparedness practice. This paper aims at exploring relationship between various factors and birth preparedness practice. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was used to find out the relationship between various factors and birth preparedness practice. One hundred sixty-five women residing at ward number 1 of Rapti Municipality, Chitwan who delivered in the last twelve months were selected consecutively and interviewed using a semistructured questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and bivariate techniques. RESULTS: Three quarters (75.2%) of the respondents had better birth preparedness, institutional delivery was 63.0%, antenatal care (ANC) visit as per protocol was about 62.0%, and about 90% of the respondents had received counseling during ANC. Age, religion, family types, education, age at marriage, parity, number of children, knowledge on birth preparedness, knowledge on danger sign, place for ANC and delivery, and decision-makers were found to be statistically significant (P value < 0.05) with birth preparedness practice. CONCLUSION: Better knowledge on birth preparedness led to a better preparedness status. Age, religion, family type, education of women and partners, parity, and number of children were the factors that influence birth preparedness. Counseling during ANC played a significant role in birth preparedness.

Landscape variables affecting the Himalayan red panda Ailurus fulgens occupancy in wet season along the mountains in Nepal.

The Himalayan red panda is an endangered mammal endemic to Eastern Himalayan and South Western China. Data deficiency often hinders understanding of their spatial distribution and habitat use, which is critical for species conservation planning. We used sign surveys covering the entire potential red panda habitat over 22,453 km2 along the mid-hills and high mountains encompassing six conservation complexes in Nepal. To estimate red panda distribution using an occupancy framework, we walked 1,451 km along 446 sampled grid cells out of 4,631 grid cells in the wet season of 2016. We used single-species, single-season models to make inferences regarding covariates influencing detection and occupancy. We estimated the probability of detection and occupancy based on model-averaging techniques and drew predictive maps showing site-specific occupancy estimates. We observed red panda in 213 grid cells and found covariates such as elevation, distance to water sources, and bamboo cover influencing the occupancy. Red panda detection probability [Formula: see text] estimated at 0.70 (0.02). We estimated red panda site occupancy (sampled grid cells) and landscape occupancy (across the potential habitat) [Formula: see text] at 0.48 (0.01) and 0.40 (0.02) respectively. The predictive map shows a site-specific variation in the spatial distribution of this arboreal species along the priority red panda conservation complexes. Data on their spatial distribution may serve as a baseline for future studies and are expected to aid in species conservation planning in priority conservation complexes.

Elephant (Elephas maximus) temporal activity, distribution, and habitat use patterns on the tiger's forgotten trails across the seasonally dry, subtropical, hilly Churia forests of Nepal.

Understanding spatial distribution, habitat use, and temporal activity patterns is important for species conservation planning. This information especially is crucial for mega herbivores like elephants as their ranging patterns encompass a myriad of habitats types. Churia habitat is geological fragile yet important for wildlife in Nepal and India. We used camera trapping and sign surveys covering 536 km2 of Churia and surrounding areas within Chitwan National Park. Across 152 trapping locations, we accumulated 2,097 trap nights in a 60-day survey during the winter season of 2010-11. We used a non-parametric kernel density function to analyze winter activity patterns of elephants detected in camera-traps. Additionally, we walked 643 km over 76 grid cells in two surveys (winter and summer) to estimate elephant distribution and intensity of habitat use using an occupancy framework. Multi-season models allowed us to make seasonal (winter versus summer) inferences regarding changes in habitat use based on covariates influencing use and detection. We photographed 25 mammalian species including elephants with calves with a trapping rate of 2.72 elephant photos events per 100 trap nights. Elephant winter activity pattern was found to be mainly nocturnal, with crepuscular peaks. Covariates such as normalized differential vegetation index and terrain ruggedness positively influenced elephant spatial distribution and habitat use patterns within the Churia habitat. We also found lower elephant habitat use ([Formula: see text]) of Churia in winter 0.51 (0.02) than in summer 0.57 (0.02). Elephants heavily used the eastern portion of Churia in both seasons (67-69%). Overall, Churia habitat, which is often ignored, clearly is used by elephants, with increases in summer use in the west and high use year-round in the east, and thus should no longer be neglected or forgotten in species conservation planning.

Gut microbiota and their putative metabolic functions in fragmented Bengal tiger population of Nepal.

Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) serve a pivotal role as an apex predator in forest ecosystems. To increase our knowledge on factors impacting the viability and health of this endangered species, we studied the gut microbiota in 32 individual Bengal tigers from three geographically separated areas (Chitwan National Park (CNP), Bardia National Park (BNP) and Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve (SWR)) in Nepal, using noninvasive genetic sampling methods. Gut microbiota influence the immune system, impact various physiological functions, and modulates metabolic reactions, that ultimately impact the host health, behavior and development. Across the tiger populations in Nepal, we found significant differences in the composition of microbial communities based on their geographic locations. Specifically, we detected significant differences between CNP and the other two protected areas (CNP vs BNP: pseudo t = 1.944, P = 0.006; CNP vs SWR: pseudo t = 1.9942, P = 0.0071), but no differences between BNP and SWR. This mirrors what has been found for tiger gene flow in the same populations, suggesting gut microbiota composition and host gene flow may be linked. Furthermore, predictive metagenome functional content analysis (PICRUSt) revealed a higher functional enrichment and diversity for significant gut microbiota in the Chitwan tiger population and the lowest enrichment and diversity in Suklaphanta. The CNP tiger population contained higher proportions of microbiota that are associated with predicted functions relevant for metabolism of amino acid, lipid, xenobiotics biodegradation, terpenoides and polyketides than the SWR population. We conclude the tiger population structure, gut microbiota profile and associated functional metabolic categories are correlated, with geographically most separated CNP and SWR tiger population having the most distinct and different host genotype and microbiota profiles. Our work dramatically expands the understanding of tiger microbiota in wild populations and provides a valuable case study on how to investigate genetic diversity at different hierarchical levels, including hosts as well as their microbial communities.

Assessment of genetic diversity, population structure, and gene flow of tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) across Nepal's Terai Arc Landscape.

With fewer than 200 tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) left in Nepal, that are generally confined to five protected areas across the Terai Arc Landscape, genetic studies are needed to provide crucial information on diversity and connectivity for devising an effective country-wide tiger conservation strategy. As part of the Nepal Tiger Genome Project, we studied landscape change, genetic variation, population structure, and gene flow of tigers across the Terai Arc Landscape by conducting Nepal's first comprehensive and systematic scat-based, non-invasive genetic survey. Of the 770 scat samples collected opportunistically from five protected areas and six presumed corridors, 412 were tiger (57%). Out of ten microsatellite loci, we retain eight markers that were used in identifying 78 individual tigers. We used this dataset to examine population structure, genetic variation, contemporary gene flow, and potential population bottlenecks of tigers in Nepal. We detected three genetic clusters consistent with three demographic sub-populations and found moderate levels of genetic variation (He = 0.61, AR = 3.51) and genetic differentiation (FST = 0.14) across the landscape. We detected 3-7 migrants, confirming the potential for dispersal-mediated gene flow across the landscape. We found evidence of a bottleneck signature likely caused by large-scale land-use change documented in the last two centuries in the Terai forest. Securing tiger habitat including functional forest corridors is essential to enhance gene flow across the landscape and ensure long-term tiger survival. This requires cooperation among multiple stakeholders and careful conservation planning to prevent detrimental effects of anthropogenic activities on tigers.

Recovery planning towards doubling wild tiger Panthera tigris numbers: Detailing 18 recovery sites from across the range.

With less than 3200 wild tigers in 2010, the heads of 13 tiger-range countries committed to doubling the global population of wild tigers by 2022. This goal represents the highest level of ambition and commitment required to turn the tide for tigers in the wild. Yet, ensuring efficient and targeted implementation of conservation actions alongside systematic monitoring of progress towards this goal requires that we set site-specific recovery targets and timelines that are ecologically realistic. In this study, we assess the recovery potential of 18 sites identified under WWF's Tigers Alive Initiative. We delineated recovery systems comprising a source, recovery site, and support region, which need to be managed synergistically to meet these targets. By using the best available data on tiger and prey numbers, and adapting existing species recovery frameworks, we show that these sites, which currently support 165 (118-277) tigers, have the potential to harbour 585 (454-739) individuals. This would constitute a 15% increase in the global population and represent over a three-fold increase within these specific sites, on an average. However, it may not be realistic to achieve this target by 2022, since tiger recovery in 15 of these 18 sites is contingent on the initial recovery of prey populations, which is a slow process. We conclude that while sustained conservation efforts can yield significant recoveries, it is critical that we commit our resources to achieving the biologically realistic targets for these sites even if the timelines are extended.

Density and carrying capacity in the forgotten tigerland: Tigers in the understudied Nepalese Churia.

While there are numerous wildlife ecology studies in lowland areas of Nepal, there are no in-depth studies of the hilly Churia habitat even though it comprises 7642 km2 of potential wildlife habitat across the Terai Arc. We investigated tiger, leopard and prey densities across this understudied habitat. Our camera trapping survey covered 536 km2 of Churia and surrounding areas within Chitwan National Park (CNP). We used 161 trapping locations and accumulated 2097 trap-nights in a 60-day survey period during the winter season of 2010-2011. In addition, we walked 136 km over 81 different line transects using distance sampling to estimate prey density. We photographed 31 individual tigers, 28 individual leopards and 25 other mammalian species. Spatial capture-recapture methods resulted in lower density estimates for tigers, ranging from 2.3 to 2.9 tigers per 100 km2 , than for leopards, which ranged from 3.3 to 5.1 leopards per 100 km2 . In addition, leopard densities were higher in the core of the Churia compared to surrounding areas. We estimated 62.7 prey animals per 100 km2 with forest ungulate prey (sambar, chital, barking deer and wild pig), accounting for 47% of the total. Based on prey availability, Churia habitat within CNP could potentially support 5.86 tigers per 100 km2 but our density estimates were lower, perhaps indicating that the tiger population is below carrying capacity. Our results demonstrate that Churia habitat should not be ignored in conservation initiatives, but rather management efforts should focus on reducing human disturbance to support higher predator numbers.

Tigers in the Terai: Strong evidence for meta-population dynamics contributing to tiger recovery and conservation in the Terai Arc Landscape.

The source populations of tigers are mostly confined to protected areas, which are now becoming isolated. A landscape scale conservation strategy should strive to facilitate dispersal and survival of dispersing tigers by managing habitat corridors that enable tigers to traverse the matrix with minimal conflict. We present evidence for tiger dispersal along transboundary protected areas complexes in the Terai Arc Landscape, a priority tiger landscape in Nepal and India, by comparing camera trap data, and through population models applied to the long term camera trap data sets. The former showed that 11 individual tigers used the corridors that connected the transboundary protected areas. The estimated population growth rates using the minimum observed population size in two protected areas in Nepal, Bardia National Park and Suklaphanta National Park showed that the increases were higher than expected from growth rates due to in situ reproduction alone. These lines of evidence suggests that tigers are recolonizing Nepal's protected areas from India, after a period of population decline, and that the tiger populations in the transboundary protected areas complexes may be maintained as meta-population. Our results demonstrate the importance of adopting a landscape-scale approach to tiger conservation, especially to improve population recovery and long term population persistence.