conservation.arizona.edu - distribution

Paudel, S., P. Pal, M. V. Cove, S. R. Jnawali, G. Abel, J. L. Koprowski, and R. Ranabhat. 2015. The endangered Ganges River dolphin Plantanista gangetica gangetica in Nepal: abundance, habitat and conservation threats. Endangered Species Research 29:59-68

thackerk1 — Wed, 24 Jul 2019 23:15:36 +0000

Authors

Shambhu Paudel

Prabhat Pal

Michael V. Cove

Shant Raj Jnawali

Grant Abel

John L. Koprowski

Rishi Ranabhat

Conservation of the last remaining Ganges River dolphins Platanista gangetica gangetica in Nepal will require robust population estimates and better information on suitable habitat characteristics. To gain a better understanding of these parameters, we conducted boat- based surveys in the 3 major river systems (Karnali, Sapta Koshi, and Narayani) of Nepal. We recorded covariates at high spatial resolution and utilized these data to inform occurrence and abundance models. We allowed for detection bias by applying occupancy and N-mixture models that account for imperfect and heterogeneous detection. Occupancy results indicate that dolphin site use varies among the different river systems, across 2 seasons, and increases with river depth. River effects received nearly 100% of the model support and had the strongest influence on dolphin occurrence and abundance. The seasonal influence on dolphin occurrence in the systems (Σωi = 0.997) revealed that occupancy probabilities were heightened during the pre-monsoon season. Deep pool habitat was also identified as a predictor of dolphin habitat use, which accounted for 41.02% of all dolphin sightings occurring in this habitat. Although estimates vary depending on season, we estimate that there are between 37 and 42 (95% CI: 28 to 52) Ganges River dolphins distributed in the rivers of Nepal. Results suggest that seasonality and each specific river affect dolphins and their habitat in Nepal; we strongly recommend site and season-specific conservation actions. Further research on the integration of additional and alternative abundance techniques, behavioral studies, and pursuit of a conservation genetics approach are all important steps in the management of this endangered species.

Additional Information

The Endangered Ganges River dolphin Platanista gangetica gangetica in Nepal: abundance, habitat and conservation threats

Date of publication:

2015

Topics

Ganges River dolphin

habitat

distribution

Nepal

Endangered species

Koprowski, J. L. 1994. Sciurus carolinensis. Mammalian Species 480: 1-9.

thackerk1 — Mon, 22 Jul 2019 23:50:42 +0000

Authors

John L. Koprowski

Information on the Sciurus carolinensis, or commonly known as the Eastern gray squirrel.

Additional Information

Sciurus carolinensis

Date of publication:

1994

Topics

eastern gray squirrel

distribution

fossil record

general characteristics

ecology

behavior

genetics

Koprowski, J. L. 1994. Sciurus niger. Mammalian Species 479: 1-9 .

thackerk1 — Mon, 22 Jul 2019 23:48:17 +0000

Authors

John L. Koprowski

Information on the Sciurus niger, or commonly known as the fox squirrel.

Additional Information

Sciurus niger

Date of publication:

1994

Topics

fox squirrel

general characters

distribution

fossil record

behavior

ecology

Cudworth, N. L., and J. L. Koprowski. 2010. First record of range extension of the cliff chipmunk (Tamias dorsalis) into the Huachuca Mountians. Western North American Naturalist 70:418-420.

thackerk1 — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 23:27:52 +0000

Authors

Nichole L. Cudworth

John L. Koprowski

Chipmunks are widely distributed throughout the mountain ranges of Arizona. However, no living chipmunks are known from the Huachuca Mountains despite the availability of favorable habitat. Based upon pelage characteristics of captured individuals, we provide the first report of a breeding population of cliff chipmunks (Tamias dorsalis) in the Huachuca Mountains and discuss possible mechanisms of their arrival.

Additional Information

First Record of a Range Extension of the Cliff Chipmunk (Tamias dorsalis) into the Huachuca Mountains

Date of publication:

2010

Topics

cliff chipmunk

Huachuca Mountains

distribution