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Rediscovery of the hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus) in Chitwan National Park, Nepal after three decades

Authors:
Bed Bahadur Khadka at Chitwan National Park
Bed Bahadur Khadka
  • Chitwan National Park
Bhupendra Prasad Yadav at Ministry of Forests and Environment
Bhupendra Prasad Yadav
  • Ministry of Forests and Environment
Nurendra Aryal at Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation, Nepal
Nurendra Aryal
  • Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation, Nepal
Achyut Aryal
Achyut Aryal
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p> Summary The critical endangered hispid hare ( Caprolagus hispidus ) was first recorded as present in Chitwan, Bardiya and Shuklaphanta National Parks of Nepal in 1984. Since then, the species was recorded only in Bardiya and Suklaphanta National Parks. For more than three decades, it had not been observed in Chitwan National Park (CNP), where it was consequently considered extinct. In January 2016, a new recording for the hispid hare took place in CNP, placing that rare mammal again within CNP mammal assemblages. We reported the first photographic confirmation of the presence (30 Jan 2016) of the species in the CNP after 1984. The presence of hispid hare is confined to isolate patched of grassland of the national park. The population of the hispid hare is rapidly declining due to anthropogenic pressure and grassland fire from its distributed range (only found in Nepal, India, and Bhutan). Therefore, further study about their presence-absence, population status need to do throughout the grassland of the low land of Nepal including the newly rediscovering park. Citation Khadka BD, Yadav BP, Aryal N, Aryal A (2017) Rediscovery of the hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus) in Chitwan National Park, Nepal after three decades. Conservation Science, 1: 10-12</p
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Khadka et al.
10 10– 12 | Conservation Science (Conerv. Sci.) 1 (2017) | www.conserv.org
Rediscovery of the hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus) in Chitwan
National Park, Nepal after three decades
Background
The hispid hare is currently listed as a critically endangered
species (Maheswaran and Smith 2008). The hare’s historic
range extends from the southern Himalayan foothills in
Uttar Pradesh (India) through Nepal and into West Bengal
to Assam (India), reaching southwards as far as Dacca
in Bangladesh. However, its current distribution only
includes the isolated tropical grasslands of Nepal, India
and Bhutan only (IUCN 2008). Actual knowledge about
the hare’s population status and its ecology, throughout
its distribution range still remains largely unexplored
(Bell 1987, Yadav et al. 2008, Aryal and Yadav 2010, Aryal
et al. 2012, Tandon et al. 2013, Nath and Machary 2015).
© 2017 The Authors (CC-BY 4.0)
Kathmandu Institute of Applied Sciences
Conservation Science
Summary
The critical endangered hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus    
present in Chitwan, Bardiya and Shuklaphanta National Parks of Nepal in 1984.
Since then, the species was recorded only in Bardiya and Suklaphanta National
Parks. For more than three decades, it had not been observed in Chitwan National
Park (CNP), where it was consequently considered extinct. In January 2016, a new
recording for the hispid hare took place in CNP, placing that rare mammal again

        
             
population of the hispid hare is rapidly declining due to anthropogenic pressure and

Therefore, further study about their presence-absence, population status need to do
throughout the grassland of the low land of Nepal including the newly rediscovering
park.
KeywordS Hipsid hare, Chitwan National Park, new records, small mammals
“The rediscovery of a species is a good piece of news, but species may still on the brink of ex-
tinction”
author Contribution           

Competing intereSt Authors declare no competing interest.
Funding Not applicable
Bed Bahadur Khadka † , 1, Bhupendra Prasad Yadav2, Nurendra Aryal1, Achyut Aryal † , 3, 4, 5
Conservation Note
1 Chitwan National Park, Chitwan, Nepal. Email: bed.khadka@gmail.com; 2Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation
Kathmandu, Nepal. Email: bhupendra.dnpwc@gmail.com; 3Department of Forest and Resource Management, Toi Ohomai Institute of
Technology, Rotorua 3046, New Zealand; 4Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The
University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; 5Nature First Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal. Email: savefauna@gmail.com
artiCle hiStory
Received 05 October 2017
Revised 25 October 2017
Accepted 26 October 2017
aCademiC editor
Vasileios A. Bontzorlos
CorreSpondenCe
†Chitwan National Park, Chitwan, Nepal
Email: bed.khadka@gmail.com
†Department of Forest and Resource
Management, Toi Ohomai Institute of
Technology, Rotorua 3046, New Zealand
E-mail: savefauna@gmail.com
Since 1980’s, the Government of Nepal (Department
of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation [DNWPC])
       
presence–absence survey (using camera traps, transects
surveys, etc.) in various lowland protected areas of Nepal.
Emphasis was given of course on the tiger (Panthera tigris)
population. Within the framework of this three-decade
survey and monitoring of CNP grasslands and fauna,
        
The Recodiscovery
The individual of hispid hare was observed at Sukhibhar
in the CNP on 30 January, 2016 (Figures 1 & 2). Sukhibhar
lies on the west of the park headquarters at Kasara (in
1
10 – 12 | Conservation Science (Conerv. Sci.) 1 (2017) | www.conserv.org
Khadka et al.
Figure 1 Hispid hare individual which was recorded in Chitwan National Park in 2016, as captured by camera-traps. The present
recording is the 2nd observation of the species in the region since 1984.
Figure 2
took place in the 30th of January 2016.
between the park headquarters and the Tiger Top Jungle
Lodge) and to the east of the Tiger Top Jungle Lodge.
The area where the hare was found can be described
        
ecosystems which support a broad range of endangered
species including tigers, rhinos (Rhinoceros unicornis)
       
very small patch of grassland remains (about 10 ha),
known as the primary grassland habitat for Bengal
 Houbaropsis bengalensis) and hispid hares.
   
there since 2001, but not of hispid hares, up to the date.
The survey was carried out to target grassland birds

from road transects with a vehicle and from a vantage points
(machan - a platform built high in large trees, used originally
for hunting game animals and observing animals in wildlife
reserves). Various mammal and bird species were recorded
during the survey. Additional habitat and vegetation
surveys were conducted by using standard line transects
(with a total of nine transects, each transect line 1 km long
and lines set apart at 100 m intervals). Vegetation sampling
was also realized at 100m intervals along the transects, and
grass counts were conducted using 1m x 1m square plots.
11
Khadka et al.
210– 12 | Conservation Science (Conerv. Sci.) 1 (2017) | www.conserv.org
Vegetation along the line transect where the hispid hare was
found was dominated by grass species Saccharum munja (70%
of the coverage area), Saccharum bengalense (10% of the coverage
area) and Imperata cylindrica (20% of the coverage area).
In protected areas in Nepal, grassland burning is used
as a management tool by park authorities to create new grass
shoots for grazing animals. Annual burning, plus cutting are
part of current grassland management practices used by local
people (Bhatta 1999). Since 2001, park authorities manage the
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D ( 2012) Diet and habitat use of hispid hare Caprolagus
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critically endangered hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus)
in Shuklaphanta wildlife reserve-Nepal. World
Applied Science Journal, 9, 367–371.
Bell DJ (1987) Study of the Biology and Conservation Problems
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Bhatta N (1999) Impact of Burning and Grazing on Vegetation
Composition and above Ground Biomass Production
in Mangalsera Grassland of RSWR, Nepal. M.Sc.
Thesis, Tribhuvan University, Nepal, 69 pp.
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Biography

Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation, Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, Nepal for more than 10
years. Dr. Achyut Aryal is conservation biologist and working for wildlife research and conservation from last 10 years.
Citation
Khadka BD, Yadav BP, Aryal N, Aryal A (2017) Rediscovery of the hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus) in Chitwan National Park,

grassland on an annual basis during winter seasons (by cutting
grass manually, drying and burning it). To the date, possible
     
are not known, although continuous grassland burning in
protected areas might become a possible threat to rare hispid
hares. Therefore, an immediate assessment of the status and
habitat of hispid hares in the CNP is recommended, as well
as to explore new possible distribution areas for the species.
12
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05 November 2017.
Nath NK, Machary K (2015) An ecological assessment of Hispid
Hare Caprolagus hispidus (Mammalia: Lagomorpha:
Leporidae) in Manas National Park, Assam, India.
Journal of Threatened Taxa 7(15), 8195–8204.
Tandon P, Karki K, Dhakal B, Aryal A (2013) Tropical
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Status, distribution and habitat use of hispid hare
(Caprolagus hispidus) in Royal Suklaphanta Wildlife
Reserve, Nepal. Tiger paper 35(3), 8-14.
Aknowledgements
           
Chandra Kandel (Chief Warden of CNP), and colleagues Mr. Abhinay Pathak, Mr. Rishi Ram Dhakal and Mr. Pradeep Joshi for
their support.
... Historically, hispid hare was distributed across the tall grassland of the Himalayan foothills in Nepal, India, Bhutan and Bangladesh (Oliver 1984;Bell 1986a;Aryal and Yadav 2019) but the species is now restricted only in few isolated grassland patches in the certain protected areas (Aryal and Yadav 2019). In Nepal, the hispid hare inhabitants in the grasslands of Bardia National Park, Chitwan National Park and Shuklaphanta National Park (Yadav et al. 2008;Jnawali et al. 2011;Aryal et al. 2012;Khadka et al. 2017). While the hispid hare has been considered globally endangered according to the IUCN Red List (Aryal and Yadav 2019), it has been nationally designated as Critically Endangered B1ab (ii,iii,iv) + 2ab(ii,iii,iv) (Jnawali et al. 2011;Aryal and Yadav 2019) in Nepal and a protected species in the Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) Act of 1973 (Jnawali et al. 2011). ...
... Aryal et al. (2012) reported a pellet density of 51.87 / km 2 and estimated a population of 219 ± 40 in Shuklaphanta National Park, which is lower our estimate that might be influence because of the variation in the area of study area. Grassland habitats in Chitwan National Park are considered good relative to Bardia National Park and Shuklaphanta National Park, but hispid hare was recently rediscovered (Khadka et al. 2017); however, their status in Chitwan National Park is poorly documented. Changes in habitat conditions, particularly grassland management using cutting and burning, can cause hispid hare decline (Khadka et al. 2017). ...
... Grassland habitats in Chitwan National Park are considered good relative to Bardia National Park and Shuklaphanta National Park, but hispid hare was recently rediscovered (Khadka et al. 2017); however, their status in Chitwan National Park is poorly documented. Changes in habitat conditions, particularly grassland management using cutting and burning, can cause hispid hare decline (Khadka et al. 2017). In addition, the potential influence of abundance and activity of predators and grassland-dependent megafauna, like the Asian one-horned rhinoceros, on hispid hares is worth exploring. ...
Factors influencing the distribution of the endangered hispid hare in Bardia National Park, Nepal
Article
Full-text available
  • Sep 2024
The hispid hare, an endangered elusive mammal that dwells in the tall grasslands of the Himalayan foothills across in Nepal, India, and Bhutan is facing severe threats from anthropogenic activities and seasonal floods. Previous studies on hispid hare have investigated in Shuklaphanta National Park, only a study has been conducted in Bardia National Park over the past decade. We aim to evaluate current distribution pattern of the hispid hare in the Babai valley in Bardia National Park, identify factors influencing their distribution, and access existing threats. We surveyed 428 transects (50 m × 2 m) across 1048.55 hectares of grasslands in the valley pre-burn and post-burn. The hispid hare exhibited a clumped distribution pattern, with recorded pellets in six grasslands: Kalinara, Guthi, Sano Shree Phanta, Chitaale Phanta, Ratomate, Rhino Release Site, and Mulghat in Bardia National Park. Pellet density was higher in post-burn, indicating a greater population density in summer compared to winter. Our finding revealed a preference grasslands area close to riverbank in pre-burn and short grasslands in post-burn, while the species tended to avoid forests and edge between grasslands and forests. The best-fit model highlighted that grass density, grasslands burn, and annual precipitation significantly influence the distribution of the hispid hare. Major threats identified in the field included grasslands burn, flood, invasive species, vegetation succession, and predators. We recommend that conservation efforts focus on protecting and managing grasslands that provide suitable habitat for the hispid hare.
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... Due to the limited ecological studies and inventories focusing on small mammals in the grasslands of the Indian subcontinent, particularly in comparison with large mammals [24], there remains a significant gap in understanding the population status and ecology of the hispid hare throughout its distribution range [9,17,25]. Consequently, vital information concerning its distribution and the factors influencing its habitat utilization is missing [11]. The species faces a continual decline across its range due to escalating anthropogenic activities such as urbanization and human settlement development. ...
... Historically, the hispid hare inhabited the southern foothills of the Himalayas, ranging from Uttar Pradesh to Assam in India and Nepal. Currently, the hispid hare's distribution in southern Asia is patchy, encompassing Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and India, with elevations typically ranging from 100 to 250 m [5,11,17]. Thus, for the present study, the geographical range was considered as the study area that encompasses the historical range as well as the range assessed by the IUCN Red List specialist group (Figure 1). This scientific study utilized data from secondary sources from the platform Geospatial Conservation Assessment Tool (GeoCat) accessed on 15 February 2024 [41], which synchronizes with GBIF (n = 66) [42] and iNaturalist (n = 6) (https://www.inaturalist.org/) ...
... This scientific study utilized data from secondary sources from the platform Geospatial Conservation Assessment Tool (GeoCat) accessed on 15 February 2024 [41], which synchronizes with GBIF (n = 66) [42] and iNaturalist (n = 6) (https://www.inaturalist.org/) along with information extracted from peer-reviewed scientific literature (n = 30) [5,6,10,11,14,17,18,23,25,41,43]. A total of 102 identified locations of the targeted species were accumulated for the study. ...
Distribution Model Reveals Rapid Decline in Habitat Extent for Endangered Hispid Hare: Implications for Wildlife Management and Conservation Planning in Future Climate Change Scenarios
Article
Full-text available
  • Mar 2024
Simple Summary The hispid hare, Caprolagus hispidus, an endangered small mammal species, occupies a range from the southern lowlands of Nepal, India, and Bhutan. Despite its endangered status, there is limited knowledge about its distribution throughout its range and protected areas. This study aimed to identify factors influencing its distribution and determine suitable protected areas both in present and future climatic scenarios, considering bioclimatic, habitat, anthropogenic, and topographic factors. The findings are crucial for shaping effective long-term conservation strategies. The assessment of remaining habitats within protected areas provides critical insights into suitable habitat and climate refugia for this species. Abstract The hispid hare, Caprolagus hispidus, belonging to the family Leporidae is a small grassland mammal found in the southern foothills of the Himalayas, in India, Nepal, and Bhutan. Despite having an endangered status according to the IUCN Red List, it lacks studies on its distribution and is threatened by habitat loss and land cover changes. Thus, the present study attempted to assess the habitat suitability using the species distribution model approach for the first time and projected its future in response to climate change, habitat, and urbanization factors. The results revealed that out of the total geographical extent of 188,316 km², only 11,374 km² (6.03%) were identified as suitable habitat for this species. The results also revealed that habitat significantly declined across its range (>60%) under certain climate change scenarios. Moreover, in the present climate scenario protected areas such as Shuklaphanta National Park (0.837) in Nepal exhibited the highest mean extent of habitat whereas, in India, Dibru-Saikhowa National Park (0.631) is found to be the most suitable habitat. Notably, two protected areas in Uttarakhand, India, specifically Corbett National Park (0.530) and Sonanandi Wildlife Sanctuary (0.423), have also demonstrated suitable habitats for C. hispidus. Given that protected areas showing a future rise in habitat suitability might also be regarded as potential sites for species translocation, this study underscores the importance of implementing proactive conservation strategies to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change on this species. It is essential to prioritize habitat restoration, focused protection measures, and further species-level ecological exploration to address these challenges effectively. Furthermore, fostering transboundary collaboration and coordinated conservation actions between nations is crucial to safeguarding the long-term survival of the species throughout its distribution range.
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... During the mid-1960s, ecologists speculated that the hispid hare had become extinct; however, the live capture of a specimen in 1971 from Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam, confirmed its presence. It currently has a patchy distribution in southern Asia, including the countries of Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and India (Nath and Machary, 2015;Khadka et al., 2017) within an elevation range of 100-250 m (Aryal and Yadav, 2019). In Nepal, studies have reported hispid hares in the isolated pocket areas of Shuklaphanta National Park (ShNP), Bardia National Park (BNP), and Chitwan National Park (CNP) (Khadka et al., 2017). ...
... It currently has a patchy distribution in southern Asia, including the countries of Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and India (Nath and Machary, 2015;Khadka et al., 2017) within an elevation range of 100-250 m (Aryal and Yadav, 2019). In Nepal, studies have reported hispid hares in the isolated pocket areas of Shuklaphanta National Park (ShNP), Bardia National Park (BNP), and Chitwan National Park (CNP) (Khadka et al., 2017). ...
... In Nepal, its significant habitats are the floodplain grasslands of the Terai (lowland) region, which are distinct from other typical dry and scrub grasslands found throughout the subcontinent (Aryal and Yadav, 2019;Sadadev et al., 2021). The floodplain or alluvial grasslands consist of tall grass species, including Saccharum spontaneum, Imperata cylindrical, Desmostachya bipinnata, Narenga porphyrocoma, and Themeda arundinacea (Aryal et al., 2012;Khadka et al., 2017;Sadadev et al., 2021). The hispid hare mostly prefers thatch shoots and roots, which they bite off at the base and strip off the outer sheaths before consumption (Oliver, 1980). ...
Ecological factors associated with hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus) habitat use and conservation threats in the Terai Arc Landscape of Nepal
Article
Full-text available
  • Mar 2023
The hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus) is one of the most elusive mammals and is listed as an endangered species both globally by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and nationally by National Red list series, Nepal. The species is experiencing a continuous decline across its distribution range due to increasing anthropogenic activities in its habitats. Limited information on the species distribution and the factors affecting its habitat use have restricted site-specific conservation actions. In this study, we aim to identify the current distribution pattern, factors associated with the habitat use of the hispid hare, and prevalent conservation threats in Shuklaphanta National Park (ShNP) of Nepal. We conducted a strip transect-based survey in January and February 2021 across 12 sampling grids of 0.5 km × 0.5 km. The presence of hispid hare was assigned to 1 if any indirect sign of its presence was observed "used plots," otherwise to 0 if any indirect sign of its presence was not observed ("habitat availability plot"). We next measured six habitat predictors (i.e., nearest distance to a water source, ground cover, ground condition, habitat type, dominant plant species, and presence/absence of anthropogenic disturbance) from both types of plots ("used" and "habitat availability plot"). We found that the overall distribution of hispid hare was clumped. Confirming a new distribution location around the Baba Tal area in ShNP will alert conservation managers to the need of a rapid assessment of its presence-absence across the lowlands of Nepal. Except for the nearest distance to a water source, all other five habitat factors influenced the probability of encountering a hispid hare. Out of six threats, four threats (i.e., grassland burning during the breeding season, grassland succession, habitat loss and fragmentation, and thatch collection from woodland) were determined as the most severe for the hispid hare. Our findings will enable park managers and local government to formulate and plan suitable conservation measures to protect this threatened and endangered species and its habitats. In addition, our results will act as a baseline for further research in ShNP and other similar regions.
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... A decline in suitable habitat by 20%-50% has occurred since 1994 and is expected to continue (Jordan et al. 2005). Attempts were made in Nepal Terai, particularly Shuklaphanta, Bardia and Chitwan National Park, to collect baseline information on home ranges, populations, and food plants of hispid hare (Bell 1987;Yadav et al. 2008;Aryal and Yadav 2010;Aryal et al. 2012;Tandon et al. 2013;Chand, Khanal, and Chalise 2017;Khadka et al. 2017;Sadadev et al. 2021;Dhami et al. 2023;Thapa et al. 2024). The distribution of hispid hare within Shuklaphanta has declined significantly over the last decade (Aryal and Yadav 2019), compared to that reported by Bell (1987). ...
... In Nepal, the predicted model showed Suklaphanta, Bardia, Chitwan and Koshi Tappu as having the last remaining habitats for hispid hare. The presence of the species on all these sites have been reported except for Koshi Tappu (Bell 1987;Oliver 1995;Peet 1997;Aryal et al. 2012;Tandon et al. 2013;Khadka et al. 2017;Dhami et al. 2023;Thapa et al. 2024). Peet (1997) did not report this hare in Koshi Tappu. ...
Hierarchical Habitat Selection of Endangered Hispid Hare and Implications for Its Conservation Management
Article
Full-text available
Many endangered species are specialists of threatened habitats with poorly understood species–habitat relationships. Hence, knowledge of their habitat selection becomes vital for effective conservation management. We investigated habitat selection of the endangered hispid hare Caprolagus hispidus using a hierarchical multiscale analysis, from geographical range to microsites. We conducted surveys in eight protected areas (PAs) covering the entire Terai region along the foothills of Indian Himalayas. We examined the effects of climatic, landscape, topographic, and anthropogenic variables on the species' occurrence using ensemble presence‐only models at range level and generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) at population and microsite levels. We examined the effects of the above variables alongside grass‐species assemblage, height, and cover on hare habitat use at microsite level using GLMM. We found that hispid hare distribution is highly fragmented and restricted to tall successional grasslands within the PAs. At the range level, the percentage of tall grassland cover, fire intensity, distance from a PA, and mean temperature influenced hare occurrence. At the population level, habitat selection was scale‐dependent: occurrence probability responded unimodally to fire intensity at a broad scale (700 m), positively to the percentage of tall grassland cover and negatively to human footprint at finer scales (100 m). At the micro‐sites, the species selected tall grass‐species assemblages dominated by Narenga porphyrocoma (syn: Saccharum narenga). Our findings on the species–habitat relationships for the hispid hare emphasize the need for rotational (instead of complete) burning, eradication of invasive weeds, and regulation of cattle grazing for the restoration of the remaining habitats of hispid hare, totalling ~300 sq.km area. Finally, (trans)national policies on hydroelectric projects, which shape riverine grassland communities, need to accommodate the conservation needs of grassland obligatory fauna, including the endangered hispid hare.
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... ewia nudiflora (rhino apple tree) and other riverine forest species (Figure 1C). This grassland is periodically managed by the CNP administration as part of its annual grassland management program. Remarkably, this species was sighted more than eight years after the second observation, in a location significantly distant from the previous sighting.Khadka et al., (2017) documented the species in the Sukhibhar phanta (grassland) in the CNP on January 30, 2016, highlighting its elusive nature and the significance of the rediscovery. A) A very young hispid hare observed in the Jayamangala phanta of CNP (Photo: ©Binod Chaudhary), B) Map of CNP and its buffer zone showing the location of the previous and re ...
... (Khadka et al., 2017) Habitat use and distribution(Prasai et al., 2024) ...
An Elusive and Endangered Life in Grassland: A Rare Sighting of the Hispid Hare (Caprolagus hispidus) in Chitwan National Park, Nepal
Article
Full-text available
  • Jan 2025
Endemic to the grassland of the Indian sub-continent, the hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus) confronts various conservation challenges. Though it is enlisted as an Endangered species on the IUCN Red List, there has been limited study of this species. Being a tall grassland dweller with a small in size and elusive nature, it is rarely observed in the wild. This study documents the observation of a very young hispid hare in Jayamangala phanta (grassland) in the Chitwan National Park, marking a significant discovery at a new location. Occurring eight years after the previous recorded sighting, this finding has drawn renewed attention from conservation stakeholders. As this study presents the account of rare observation, we urge for prioritizing an integrated and participatory conservation approach for small and lesser-known species like the hispid hare in the light of surging anthropogenic pressure.
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... The hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus, Pearson, 1839), an endangered lagomorph (Aryal and Yadav, 2019), is found in several South Asian countries such as Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and India (Nath and Machary, 2015;Khadka et al., 2017). It is listed in Appendix I of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) (CITES, 2021) and is protected by the National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973 of Nepal (Jnawali et al., 2011;. ...
... Very few published records of captures or positive sightings of the hispid hare are known to exist. For example, the hispid hare has been recorded in Chitwan, Bardia, and Shuklaphanta National Parks (Oliver, 1985;Yadav, 2006;Aryal, 2010;Khadka et al., 2017). ...
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... Compared to the smaller mammals, more is known about general distributions of larger rodents such as tree squirrels and marmots Thapamagar et al., 2021) and lagomorphs such as the endangered hispid hare (Khadka et al., 2017a), but information is still lacking from many parts of Nepal. Poudel et al. (2015) showed that marmots change their foraging behavior due to seasonal livestock grazing, and trekkers within PAs could have similar effects on them as well as pikas (Koju, Chalise & Kyes, 2013). ...
Research priorities for the conservation of Nepal's lesser terrestrial vertebrates
Article
Full-text available
  • Jul 2023
Located along the boundary of two zoogeographic provinces, and with the highest peaks and deepest valleys on Earth, Nepal is a center of adaptive radiation for many taxa. Early zoological research was mostly focused on high-profile large mammals due to availability of funding and policy priorities, but knowledge gaps remain for most other vertebrate taxa. Technologies ranging from genetic mapping to GPS, GIS, digital cameras and micro-transmitters have advanced with time and greatly expanded research capacities. Here, we present our suggestions of research needs for the lesser terrestrial vertebrate fauna of Nepal and the broader Himalayan region, pointing out knowledge gaps and suggesting where to go from here. The growing numbers of Nepali researchers focusing on small mammalian and avian research is encouraging, but the status of many taxa remains unknown and much of the country remains under-surveyed for breeding and migratory populations. Major knowledge gaps persist for reptiles and amphibians and for the role of local wildlife markets in exploitation. We conclude with suggestions on priorities for research on, and conservation of, Nepal's lesser terrestrial vertebrates.
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Reviving lost shadows: investigating the habitat ecology of the rediscovered hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus) in Nepal
Article
Full-text available
  • Sep 2024
The endangered hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus) is one of the least studied mammal species. The recent rediscovery of hispid hare in Chitwan National Park (CNP) after three decades, necessitated urgent conservation measures. A detailed investigation into the species' ecology is imperative for developing evidence-based conservation strategies to support these efforts. The main objective of this study is to investigate the current distribution pattern and habitat preferences, offering vital insights for the effective preservation and management of the species and its habitat.
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Bibliography
Chapter
  • Feb 2023
Habitat loss and degradation are currently the main anthropogenic causes of species extinctions. The root cause is human overpopulation. This unique volume provides, for the very first time, a comprehensive overview of all threatened and recently extinct mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes within the context of their locations and habitats. The approach takes a systematic examination of each biogeographic realm and region of the world, both terrestrial and marine, but with a particular emphasis on geographic features such as mountains, islands, and coral reefs. It reveals patterns useful in biodiversity conservation, helps to put it all into perspective, and ultimately serves as both a baseline from which to compare subsequent developments as well as a standardization of the way threatened species are studied.
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Patterns and trends in two decades of research on Nepal’s mammalian fauna (2000–2019): examining the past for future implications
Article
Full-text available
  • Sep 2021
  • BIODIVERS CONSERV
Nepal is a global biodiversity hotspot, supporting 213 mammal species with diverse habitats across various landscape types, from the lowland Terai to the high Himalayas. Studies of Nepal’s mammalian fauna are not evenly distributed and better understanding of past biases towards some species, research themes and locations can provide better strategic direction for future research investments. Therefore, we reviewed 575 scientific articles on mammals in Nepal, published between 2000 and 2019 and compiled these in March 2020, to examine trends, patterns and gaps, and pave future plans for mammalian research in Nepal. A positive increase in the number of publications (β = 0.27 ± 0.02SD, P < 0.00) was observed, with a more than threefold increase between 2010 and 2019 compared to 2000–2009 (t = − 6.26, df = 12.21, P < 0.000). Analysis of these documents revealed that mammalian researches favored large flagship, threatened species of carnivores inside Nepal’s protected area system. Geographically, mammalian research was not uniform in Nepal, as most studies were concentrated in Bagmati Province and in the Terai and Chure region. Baseline surveys and ecological studies were more common types of research, while studies on the impact of climate change and wildlife trade and poaching, are scant, which deserves a future look. While these studies shape current mammalogy in Nepal, studies of small, uncharismatic species, and in areas outside protected areas and other provinces except Bagmati, Lumbini and Province One are severely lacking. The research identified habitat loss, degradation and human-wildlife conflict as the major threats to the survival of mammalian species in Nepal. Therefore, redesigning and strict implementation of policies based on habitat management and human-wildlife co-existence, including other threat mitigation measures, are warranted. To address knowledge gaps, the prioritization of future research and funding should be focused on relatively unexplored research themes and under-researched provinces. This approach will help to re-align the research focus with the current need, and assist to fully understand and effectively conserve the wealth of mammalian diversity that Nepal holds.
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An ecological assessment of Hispid Hare Caprolagus hispidus (Mammalia: Lagomorpha: Leporidae) in Manas National Park, Assam, India
Article
Full-text available
  • Dec 2015
p>This study of the Hispid Hare Caprolagus hispidus in the tall grassland habitat of Manas National Park, Assam during 2009–2010 is the first detailed assessment in northeastern India. We assessed the status, distribution, habitat use and key threats to this rare and little studied lagomorph species. After interviewing local forest staff, 20 grassland patches within a survey area of 2.65ha were selected and transects (50x2 m) laid randomly to determine the presence/absence of Hispid Hare by recording pellets and other indirect evidence. Hare presence was recorded in 17 grassland patches within transects dominated by Imperata cylindrica and Saccharum narenga . Hispid Hare preferred dry savannah grasslands to wet alluvial grasslands during winter and avoided recently burned patches due to lack of cover and food. The distribution pattern observed was clumped (s2/a = 6.2), with more evidence of Hispid Hare presence in areas where ground cover was dense, dry and away from water sources. Population density was estimated at 381.55 individuals/km2, which in comparison with other studies indicates that Manas National Park currently holds the highest density of Hispid Hare. Habitat loss due to overgrazing, unsustainable thatch harvesting, burning of grassland, weed invasion, encroachment and hunting were identified as key threats which must be addressed to ensure survival of this threatened species in the Park. </div
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Tropical grasslands supporting the endangered hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus) population in the Bardia National Park, Nepal
Article
Full-text available
  • Sep 2013
  • CURR SCI INDIA
The presence of the endangered hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus) has been confirmed in the seven grasslands (approx. 900 ha) of the Babai valley, Bardia National Park (BNP), Nepal. We conducted a presence–absence survey, studied the diet of hispid hare and evaluated vegetation composition in hispid hare habitat of the park. The pellet density was 4.07/ha before the burning season and 8.71/ha after it. The diet of the hispid hare consisted of 23 plants species, of which Saccharum spp., Imperata cylindrica, Desmostachya bipinnata and Cynodon dactylon were most preferred. These plant species were also more abundant in the hispid hare habitat.Our results showed that composition of plant species in the diet was available proportional to the hispid hare habitat. We recommend that the management authorities should prepare a species-focused management plan to conserve and monitor the hispid hare population and other small mammals of the region.
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First cameras trap sighting of critically endangered hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus) in Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve- Nepal
Article
  • Jan 2010
Hispid hare Caprolagus hispidus is one of the less studied endangered small mammal species in the world. Hispid hare distribution includes the tropical grassland ecosystem in Nepal. Grassland fire is one of the management regimes used in this region and its impact on biodiversity is controversial. We investigated the diet and habitat use of hispid hare before and after a grassland fire at Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve (SWR) in Nepal. Fecal pellets were used for micro-histological analysis to understand hispid hare diet. We laid out sampling plots in areas where we encountered hispid hare sign and recorded habitat and vegetation information. We also looked for signs of hare presence along systematically positioned transect lines and used these data to assess the population status of hispid hare. Population density of hispid hare was 5.76 individuals/km 2 and we estimated a population size of 219 ± 40 hispid hare within the 41 km 2 grasslands of SWR. Hispid hare primarily used tall grassland habitat. Nineteen plant species were identified in hispid hare pellets with Saccharum spontaneum and Imperata cylindrica having the highest frequency of occurrence. There were no significant differences in the distribution of plant species in the pellets before and after the fire; however a significantly higher diversity of plants were recorded in hispid hare diet after the fire. We recommend a change to the timing of grass burning to either before or after the hispid hare breeding season to reduce the direct (burning, destruction of nests) and indirect (increased risk of predation) negative effects of such grassland management on hare populations. Population management strategies and a field based conservation captive breeding program should be implemented immediately to maintain a viable population of hispid hare in SWR.
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Diet and Habitat use of Hispid Hare Caprolagus hispidus in Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve, Nepal
Article
  • Jun 2012
  • Mamm Stud
Hispid hare Caprolagus hispidus is one of the less studied endangered small mammal species in the world. Hispid hare distribution includes the tropical grassland ecosystem in Nepal. Grassland fire is one of the management regimes used in this region and its impact on biodiversity is controversial. We investigated the diet and habitat use of hispid hare before and after a grassland fire at Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve (SWR) in Nepal. Fecal pellets were used for micro-histological analysis to understand hispid hare diet. We laid out sampling plots in areas where we encountered hispid hare sign and recorded habitat and vegetation information. We also looked for signs of hare presence along systematically positioned transect lines and used these data to assess the population status of hispid hare. Population density of hispid hare was 5.76 individuals/km2 and we estimated a population size of 219 ± 40 hispid hare within the 41 km2 grasslands of SWR. Hispid hare primarily used tall grassland habitat. Nineteen plant species were identified in hispid hare pellets with Saccharum spontaneum and Imperata cylindrica having the highest frequency of occurrence. There were no significant differences in the distribution of plant species in the pellets before and after the fire; however a significantly higher diversity of plants were recorded in hispid hare diet after the fire. We recommend a change to the timing of grass burning to either before or after the hispid hare breeding season to reduce the direct (burning, destruction of nests) and indirect (increased risk of predation) negative effects of such grassland management on hare populations. Population management strategies and a field based conservation captive breeding program should be implemented immediately to maintain a viable population of hispid hare in SWR.
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Bell helping us to identification of the species We would like to acknowledge Mr
  • Aknowledgements We Would Like To Thank Dr
  • J Diana
Aknowledgements We would like to thank Dr. Diana J. Bell helping us to identification of the species. We would like to acknowledge Mr. Ram Chandra Kandel (Chief Warden of CNP), and colleagues Mr. Abhinay Pathak, Mr. Rishi Ram Dhakal and Mr. Pradeep Joshi for their support.
An ecological assessment of Hispid Hare Caprolagus hispidus (Mammalia: Lagomorpha: Leporidae) in Manas National Park
  • Jan 2015
  • 8195-8204
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2008: e.T3833A10112058. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN. UK.2008.RLTS.T3833A10112058.en. Downloaded on 05 November 2017. Nath NK, Machary K (2015) An ecological assessment of Hispid Hare Caprolagus hispidus (Mammalia: Lagomorpha: Leporidae) in Manas National Park, Assam, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 7(15), 8195-8204.
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Bell DJ (1987) Study of the Biology and Conservation Problems of the Hispid Hare. Final Report. University of East Anglia, England.
Impact of Burning and Grazing on Vegetation Composition and above Ground Biomass Production in Mangalsera Grassland of RSWR
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Bhatta N (1999) Impact of Burning and Grazing on Vegetation Composition and above Ground Biomass Production in Mangalsera Grassland of RSWR, Nepal. M.Sc. Thesis, Tribhuvan University, Nepal, 69 pp.
Caprolagus hispidus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
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  • G Maheswaran
  • A T Smith
Maheswaran G, Smith AT (2008) Caprolagus hispidus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2008: e.T3833A10112058. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN. UK.2008.RLTS.T3833A10112058.en. Downloaded on 05 November 2017.