Status and Distribution Pattern of Barking Deer (<i>Muntiacus muntjak</i> Zimmermann) in Hemja VDC, Kaski

Abstract

Barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak Zimmermann) is a solitary and forest dwelling ruminant. A study was carried out to know status and distribution of barking deers found in the forested mountains of Hemja VDC, Kaski District. The study was done by direct observation method with indirect counting of fecal pellets while walking systematically in total 11 line transects covering 6.64 km in length and a total of 20 quadrates with 20×20m² - 40×40m² randomly laid down in three different sites of the study area. A total of 12 individuals (5 adult males, 4 adult females, 2 sub-adult females and 1 infant), 178 pellet groups, 13 latrines and one hunting spot were recorded inside three different blocks of the study area. The results showed clumped and uneven distribution of this deer. It prefers middle range of the mountain (1100-1300m) with dense canopy cover, proper water sources and less human disturbances.

Key words: barking deer; distribution pattern

DOI: 10.3126/njst.v11i0.4149

Nepal Journal of Science and Technology 11 (2010) 223-228