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Arna count 2009 concluded in Koshi Taapu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal |
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Arna (Bubalus arnee) Count 2009 was conducted from 2nd to 4th May in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (KTWR), Nepal. Established in 1976, the famed KTWR is the only home to the population of Arna in Nepal. The reserve was designated as a Ramsar Site, the wetlands of international importance in 1987. The main objective of the Arna Count was to determine the status and distribution of wild water buffalo in KTWR. The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) and KTWR conducted the operation with support from Conservation and Sustainable Use of Wetlands in Nepal (CSUWN) Project. The Arna population was obtained from direct count. The count was total count of all the animals during the survey period. Division of the probable Arna habitat in KTWR into several blocks on the basis of logistical and more importantly, the ecological specification of Arna was done. The census area was divided into four blocks (South to Pathri post, North to Pathri post, South to Hawa mahal, North to Hawa mahal). Arna sighting form, GPS receiver, pair of binoculars, digital camera and communication sets were used in the census. One day training programme was conducted on-site prior to the counts. In order to smoothly conduct the census operations, four teams were formed. Altogether, 5 elephants and 40 people including technical, security and logistic personnel were involved in the census. The Arna count 2009 recorded a total of 219 Arna in KTWR. Of the total Arna counted 34 are adult male, 101 are adult female, 39 are sub adults, 22 second year calves and 23 first year calves. Previous Arna count (2004) resulted in a total of 159 individuals. The recent results shows 38% increament in the Arna population. The result of the Arna count 2009 is as follows. Adult male Adult female Sub adult 2nd year calves 1st year calves Back crossed Total 34 101 39 22 23 74 219 For more information, pls contact Mr. Nilamber Mishra, KTWR, Kushaha, Sunsari |
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