Habitat Preferences and Conservation Status of Himalayan Musk Deer (Moschus Chrysogaster) in Langtang National Park, Nepal

Himalayan Musk Deer (Moschus chrysogaster) is one of the endangered mammals that distributes to the Himalayan region. Our study was carried out in the Langtang National Park (LNP) to explore the distribution and conservation status of Himalayan Musk Deer. In order to explore these aspects of the biology of the species, a total number of 18 horizontal strip transects were laid in the field, each block having six transects within three blocks (A, B and C) across an altitudinal gradient between 3500 and 4000 m. Direct and indirect observations were carried out within the transects and a questionnaire survey was conducted to find the conservation attitude of the local people. The salient drive count method was carried out to observe the species in the field and linear regression models were applied to estimate the population status of the study area. Similarly, one way ANOVA, linear model and Principle Component Analysis were performed to analyze the data. We estimated the population density of Himalayan Musk Deer was 4.33/Km2. The distribution of the species was found in an altitudinal range of 3600-4000m asl. They mostly used altitudes between 3700-3800m asl (IV=0.7), and avoided altitudes below 3600m asl (IV= -0.2). Musk Deer select the different habitats for bedding sites and relic sites. They selected the steep slope (450) with high canopy cover (50%) for bedding sites and moderate canopy cover (30%), herb cover (30%) and gentle slope (380) for relic sites. In LNP, poaching was the major threat followed by feral dog, habitat destruction and unmanaged grazing. Further study should be conducted in LNP to explore the distribution pattern, habitat suitability, survival threats as well as genetic study is necessary for species confirmation.