Rishi Baral | Hokkaido University (original) (raw)

Papers by Rishi Baral

Nepalese Journal of Zoology, 2021

Bat surveys in 20 Protected Areas (PAs) of Nepal are sporadic and/or had targeted purposively a f... more Bat surveys in 20 Protected Areas (PAs) of Nepal are sporadic and/or had targeted purposively a few localities, therefore, bat diversity from the PAs is yet to be explored. Bat species richness in PAs from two reviews until 2011 are inconsistent. In total, seven surveys have been undertaken in six PAs since 2011. Hence, an update and revision on chiropteran account from the PAs of Nepal is warranted. We reviewed available literatures and museum collection records, and further collated and plotted bat occurrence coordinates into the country and mapped them. In total, 44 of 53 bat species in Nepal have been recorded from 12 PAs. Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) reports highest species richness (22) followed by Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park and Buffer Zone (SNNP & BZ) (15), Makalu Barun National Park and Buffer Zone (MBNP & BZ) (14) and Chitwan National Park and Buffer Zone (CNP & BZ) (13). In contrast, survey localities are more in CNP & BZ (12), ACA and SNNP & BZ (equally 11) and...

ZOO-Journal, Dec 31, 2019

Journal of Forest Research, 2018

ABSTRACT Tree cavities are one of the key structures that influence abundance and diversity of ca... more ABSTRACT Tree cavities are one of the key structures that influence abundance and diversity of cavity-dependent organisms in forests. The natural processes that lead to cavity formation and regulate the abundance of cavities are poorly understood, especially in subtropical regions of Asia. Surveys of tree cavities suitable for breeding birds were conducted in southern Nepal in sal Shorea robusta dominated forest. A cavity was defined as a hole in a tree trunk or a limb with a minimum entrance diameter of 2 cm × 2 cm, interior space, depth at least 2 cm and a solid bottom with a minimum diameter of 5 cm. Within 50 sample plots, we found 104 tree cavities. The mean height of cavity entrances (6.8 m above the ground) varied across tree species from 3.4 m in Dillenia pentagyna to 10.3 m in S. robusta, and was positively correlated with DBH of tree. The entrance exposures were most often to the south (38.2%), and located mainly in trunks (74.0%). Cavity entrances were very different in size, with mean smallest diameter 7.7 cm, the average depth of the cavity was 25.7 cm. Mode of cavity production (excavated or non-excavated) was best predicted by a model including diameter of cavity tree (DBH), cavity height and their interaction. Single check of cavities showed signs of use by birds in 21% of them. Excavated cavities accounted for 27.9% of all cavities, indicating that role of woodpeckers as cavity providers might be of importance for secondary users in sal forest.

Journal of Threatened Taxa, 2019

In May and June, 2018, a series of field surveys was undertaken to determine the presence of the ... more In May and June, 2018, a series of field surveys was undertaken to determine the presence of the Red Panda Ailurus fulgens in Marsyangdi Rural Municipality in Lamjung District, western Nepal. A single, adult, Red Panda was photographed and recorded on video at Nafada Khola while scratch marks and distinctive scats provided evidence of Red Panda activity at eleven further localities at elevations between 3,150 and 3,650 m. Threats to the habitat of A. fulgens within the study area are discussed.

iForest - Biogeosciences and Forestry, 2016

Biogeosciences and Forestry Biogeosciences and Forestry Availability of tree cavities in a sal fo... more Biogeosciences and Forestry Biogeosciences and Forestry Availability of tree cavities in a sal forest of Nepal Prabin Bhusal (1) , Dorota Czeszczewik (2) , Wiesław Walankiewicz (2) , Marcin Churski (3) , Rishi Baral (4) , Babu Ram Lamichhane (5) , Grzegorz Mikusiński (6-7) Tree cavities are important structural elements of forest ecosystem that host numerous birds, mammals and other cavity-dependent organisms. Pattern of cavity distribution in temperate and boreal forests are relatively well studied, yet little is known about cavities in tropical and subtropical forests. We compared cavity availability in relation to tree condition (living tree and snag), tree species and DBH class between two different sites in a subtropical deciduous sal forest in Nepal: the Chitwan National Park Forest (the park site) and the Khorsor Buffer Zone Forest (the buffer site). Surveys for tree cavities were conducted in 2013 on 50 circular sample plots of size 0.1 ha. We recorded 40 cavity trees in the park site and 31 cavity trees in the buffer site. Density of cavities was on average 22.4 ha-1 in the park site and 19.2 ha-1 in the buffer site. Cavities occurred mostly in living trees (85.9% cavity trees) and were formed mostly by damage and decay (natural cavities: 74%) or by woodpecker activity (excavated cavities: 26%). Most were observed on three tree species: Shorea robusta, Dillenia pentagyna and Syzygium operculatum, with a mean diameter of 43 cm (range: 12-111 cm). S. operculatum, Myrsine semiserrata and Semecarpus anacardium were overrepresented among tree species with cavities. In snags, 25.0% of all cavities were found in the park site and 8.3% in the buffer site, while snags represented 4.2% and 2.2% of all trees in the two sites, respectively. Statistical anaysis indicated that tree species, tree condition and particularly diameter (DBH) were important variables for the prediction of cavity presence. We recommend cavity-bearing tree species to be better protected by forest management in order to help maintain the community of cavity dwellers.

iForest - Biogeosciences and Forestry

Nepalese Journal of Zoology

Snakes are one of the most diverse vertebrates on the globe, mostly prefer arid zones. Nepal harb... more Snakes are one of the most diverse vertebrates on the globe, mostly prefer arid zones. Nepal harbors a high unrecognized reptilian diversity. Information on the diversity and distribution of snakes in the western Nepal are derived from relatively from old literatures. This study updated the diversity and distribution of snakes from the Kaski district based on rescuing activities, field survey and literature review. Altogether 40 species of snake from five families were recorded in the Kaski district. The family Colubridae (70%) had the highest species diversity followed by Elapidae (12.5%), Viperidae (12.5%), Pythonidae (2.5 %), and Typhlopidae (2.5 %) respectively. Based on the IUCN global status of snake, 5 % are vulnerable, 5 % data deficient, 27.5 % are Least Concern and 62.5 % are Not Evaluated. Six species were found new distribution records in Kaski. Four species were the species listed on CITES II. Out of 40 species, 27.5% venomous (2.5 % were venomous but not fatal to human...

The spitting of the Monocled cobra is less documented and so far known from populations in West B... more The spitting of the Monocled cobra is less documented and so far known from populations in West Bengal, India only. We report on the first evidence of spitting by Naja kaouthia from Nepal.

Nepalese Journal of Zoology

AMPHIBIANS • VOL15, NO 4 • DEC 2008, 2020

At 1523 h on 11 February 2015, we encountered a King Cobra swallowing a green pitviper (Trimeresu... more At 1523 h on 11 February 2015, we encountered a King Cobra swallowing a green pitviper (Trimeresurus sp.) (Fig. 1) in Pokhara, Ward No.-18 (former Sarangkot Village Development Committee), Gandaki Province, Nepal, at an elevation of 1,443 m (28.2421172°N, 83.9481137°E). Complete ingestion from the time of the initial observation, when the cobra had swallowed about half of the pitviper, took 4 min 25 sec.

Oriental Bird Club, Birding Asia , 2019

The Kalij Pheasant Lophura leucomelanos, designated Least Concern, is a fairly common and widespr... more The Kalij Pheasant Lophura leucomelanos, designated Least Concern, is a fairly common and widespread resident in Nepal, found between 245 and 3,700 m (Inskipp et al. 2016, BirdLife International 2019, McGowan & Kirwan 2019). The race leucomelanos is endemic to Nepal, while in addition the race hamiltonii occurs in the west of the country and melanota in the extreme east. It has previously been recorded from 17 Nepalese protected areas, five of the six conservation areas— Annapurna, Api Nampa, Manaslu, Gaurishankar and Kanchanjunga—and 11 of the 12 national parks—all except Banke National Park; it is also reported from Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve (DNPWC & DFSC 2018).

BirdingASIA, 2019

On 24 May 2013 at 08h50, three images of a single male Kalij Pheasant (Plate 1) were recorded by ... more On 24 May 2013 at 08h50, three images of a single male Kalij Pheasant (Plate 1) were recorded by a camera-trap at Gabhar Khola, between Khairi Khola and Solari Guard Posts at 300 m on a fire-line trail through mixed deciduous forest which included Sal Shorea robusta, Saj Terminalia tomentosa, Botdhairo Lagerstroemia parviflora, Bhorla Bauhinia vahlii and other Bauhinia spp., with open scrub to the south. This location is about 7 km from Kusum village and 8 km from the Chure hills to the north. Other wildlife recorded here included Striped Hyena Hyaena hyaena, Wild Boar Sus crofa and Jungle Cat Felis chaus; the nearest tiger sighting was about 1 km away. It is the most southerly record of Kalij Pheasant in Nepal and the first in Banke National Park. This record suggests that Kalij Pheasant may occur elsewhere in the Banke–Bardia–Katerniaghat–Suhelwa complex. However, the species was camera-trapped at only this location, suggesting that its distribution here is localised and/or its density is very low.

BirdingAsia, 2019

On 29 April 2019 at 14h30, a single Indian Pond Heron was sighted standing on a Himalayan Poplar ... more On 29 April 2019 at 14h30, a single Indian Pond Heron was sighted standing on a Himalayan Poplar Populus ciliata in Lomanthang Rural Municipality, Mustang district, Nepal (29.194°N 83.965°E) at an altitude of 3,823 m. According to Grimmett et al. (2016), this species is a common resident in Nepal below 1,525 m, although it was recorded at 2,745 m north of Jomsom, Mustang district, in May 1975. As far as we are aware our sighting is the highest altitudinal record of this species in Nepal. The bird was only present for one day and was not seen again. Acharya (2002) and Suwal (2003) listed the species in their Upper Mustang district checklists, but without recording the exact altitude.

CATnews 68 Autumn 2018, 13-15, 2018

Clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa was pictured during a camera trap study in Sikles-Bhujung lands... more Clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa was pictured during a camera trap study in Sikles-Bhujung landscape in lower Annapurna Conservation Area from January– March 2017. Two other species of felids common leopard Panthera pardus and leopard cat Prionailurus bengalensis were found to be coexisting with clouded leopard. Human disturbance in the study area is high during herding season (May–August). The clouded leopard is vulnerable to anthropogenic threats including hunting, livestock encroachment and hydropower development.

Himalayan Naturalist, 2018

Nepal harbours nearly 9% of global bird diversity out of with 40 species have been assessed as gl... more Nepal harbours nearly 9% of global bird diversity out of with 40 species have been assessed as globally threatened while 168 as nationally threatened species (BCN and DNPWC 2016, Inskipp et al. 2016). This diversity is remarkably high considering Nepal’s area which is only 0.1% of the world’s landmass. However, many regions of the country are relatively unexplored for avifaunal surveys. Bajhang district of far-Western region of Nepal is one of the less explored areas despite its high potential birding hotspots. A total of 67 species of birds were recorded. The birds were classified under 9 orders and 27 families. Birds from the order Passeriformes topped the list with 35 species.

Journal of Forest Research, 2018

Tree cavities are one of the key structures that influence abundance and diversity of cavity-depe... more Tree cavities are one of the key structures that influence abundance and diversity of cavity-dependent organisms in forests. The natural processes that lead to cavity formation and regulate the abundance of cavities are poorly understood, especially in subtropical regions of Asia. Surveys of tree cavities suitable for breeding birds were conducted in southern Nepal in sal Shorea robusta dominated forest. A cavity was defined as a hole in a tree trunk or a limb with a minimum entrance diameter of 2 cm × 2 cm, interior space, depth at least 2 cm and a solid bottom with a minimum diameter of 5 cm. Within 50 sample plots, we found 104 tree cavities. The mean height of cavity entrances (6.8 m above the ground) varied across tree species from 3.4 m in Dillenia pentagyna to 10.3 m in S. robusta, and was positively correlated with DBH of tree. The entrance exposures were most often to the south (38.2%), and located mainly in trunks (74.0%). Cavity entrances were very different in size, with mean smallest diameter 7.7 cm, the average depth of the cavity was 25.7 cm. Mode of cavity production (excavated or non-excavated) was best predicted by a model including diameter of cavity tree (DBH), cavity height and their interaction. Single check of cavities showed signs of use by birds in 21% of them. Excavated cavities accounted for 27.9% of all cavities, indicating that role of woodpeckers as cavity providers might be of importance for secondary users in sal forest.

ZOO-JOURNAL (2631-2204), 2019

On 12th August, 2017 Saturday, at 8.00 hrs the bird was chased by four Large-billed Crow (Corvus ... more On 12th August, 2017 Saturday, at 8.00 hrs the bird was chased by four Large-billed Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos, Wagler) and suddenly the bird flew inside the compound of District Police Office of Jomsom It was found at the altitude of 2,727 m from sea level. The exact point of recording was 28.7834° N and 83.7307° E of Jomsom, Gharapjhong Rural Municipality, Ward number 4, Mustang. It was the second high altitude record of this bird from Annapurna Conservation Area. The first high altitude record of Nepal was from 3,715 m by Mr. Madhu Chetri

Nepalese Journal of Zoology, 2021

ZOO-Journal, Dec 31, 2019

Journal of Forest Research, 2018

Journal of Threatened Taxa, 2019

iForest - Biogeosciences and Forestry, 2016

iForest - Biogeosciences and Forestry

Nepalese Journal of Zoology

AMPHIBIANS • VOL15, NO 4 • DEC 2008, 2020

Oriental Bird Club, Birding Asia , 2019

BirdingASIA, 2019

BirdingAsia, 2019

CATnews 68 Autumn 2018, 13-15, 2018

Himalayan Naturalist, 2018

Journal of Forest Research, 2018

ZOO-JOURNAL (2631-2204), 2019

National Trust for Nature Conservation, Annapurna Conservation Area Project, 2018

The colorful book named "Birds of Annapurna Conservation Area" with pages 94 pages including the ... more The colorful book named "Birds of Annapurna Conservation Area" with pages 94 pages including the cover pages and contents was published. Altogether 518 species of birds representing 14 orders, 52 families of the world have been recorded in ACA. The order Passeriformes reached 325 species and is the highest order among fourteen. Bird rich families area Sylviidae (81 species), Muscicapidae (74 species), Accipitridae (40 species) and Fringillidae (40 species).Taxonomy and nomenclature mostly follow “Birds of Nepal: An Offical Checklist” updated and published by Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation and Bird Conservation Nepal (2016), An Annotated Checklist of the Birds of the Oriental Region” by Tim Inskip, Nigel Lindsey and William Duckworth (2001) and update follow Birds of the Indian Subcontinent second edition by RIchard Grimmett, Carol Inskipp and Tim Inskipp (2011