Project
Conservation of Himalayan Muskdeer in Rara National Park, Nepal
Initiative
Duration
2024 - 2025
Location
Nepal
Species protected
Himalayan Muskdeer
Moschus leucogaster
Project description
The Himalayan Muskdeer is an indicator species of the alpine ecosystem and is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. However, information on its ecology and conservation status is lacking in Rara National Park. To date, no systematic studies have been conducted on the musk deer population in the park. Therefore, this research aims to carry out a systematic survey to assess the conservation status, distribution, and activity patterns of the species.
Threats
Habitat loss & degradation
Poaching
Project objectives
- Determine the key conservation challenges existing for the musk deer conservation in Rara National Park.
- Evaluate the multifaceted factors affecting the occurrence of musk deer in Rara National Park.
- Identify the diel activity patterns of musk deer in response to the presence of predators and competitor species.
Project activities
- Conduct the questionnaire survey to understand the conservation threats to the musk deer.
- Install camera traps throughout the Park to determine occurrence, activity patterns, and their temporal overlap with predators and competitor species.
This research project is implemented by Tilak Thapamagar, Tribhuvan University.
