Habitat suitability evaluation and identifying ecological networks of blue bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus) in Nepal

Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) is one of the major factors to contribute to non-acceptance of wildlife conservation in human-modified landscape. Identifying habitat suitability and identifying ecological networks is a possible solution to curb HWC and conserve wildlife. We evaluated the habitat suitability and identified the ecological networks for blue bull, the largest antelope found in the Indian sub-continent, with an aim to determine the suitable habitats, core areas and potential movement pathways using Maxent and graph-based connectivity models. Our model predicted the habitat suitability of blue bull with sufficient statistical accuracy that was mainly determined by climate and productivity. Most of the Tarai lowlands along with Siwalik regions were suitable for blue bull. Majority of the suitable areas of blue bull were located in the fragmented forest and agriculture landscape outside the protected areas. The considerable core areas (n=12) were mapped with varying degree of connectivity (14 linkage pairs). The connectivity maps can be used when making the decisions for reducing HWC, linear infrastructure networks and urbanization in the areas having high value of corridor importance. Enhancing movement and reducing agricultural activities in the identified corridors will be the corner stone for reducing the ongoing conflicts with the blue bull conservation and promote co-existence in the shared landscapes.