Distribution pattern and habitat preference of barking deer (<i>Muntiacus muntjac</i> Zimmermann) in Nagarjun forest, Kathmandu

Abstract

The distribution pattern and habitat preference of barking deer (Muntiacus muntjac Zimmermann) were analyzed during spring and rainy seasons of 2005 in Nagarjun Forest, Kathmandu. A total of 14 observations (seven males and seven females), 247 pellets and 118 footprints of barking deer were recorded in the spring and 14 observations (nine males and five females), 151 pellets and 140 footprints were recorded during the rainy season. The result showed uneven or clumped distribution patterns for deer in both spring (S²√X = 331.03 > 1; Χ^² = 331.02, p = 0.01) and rainy season (S²√X = 233.48 > 1; Χ^² = 233.48, p = 0.01). Among four types of habitats (Schima wallichii forest, mixed broadleaved forest, pine forest and dry oak forest), the mixed broadleaved forest was much preferred in spring (RPI = 0.81) and pine forest during the rainy season (RPI = 0.15). Key words: Barking deer, Muntiacus muntjac, distribution, habitat preference, Nagarjun forest, Nepal Himalayan Journal of Sciences Vol.4(6) 2007 p.70-74