Factors influencing distribution of the endangered Hispid hare in Babai valley, Bardiya National Park, Nepal

The hispid hare, Caprolagus hispidus, is an endangered elusive mammal that
dwells in the tall grassland of the Himalayan foothills across Nepal,
India, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. The species has faced serious threats from
anthropogenic activity and seasonal flooding in the various protected
areas, leading to population decline. Most work on the species has been
conducted in the grasslands of Shuklaphanta National Park, but only one
study has been conducted in Bardia National Park over the past decade.
Here, we aim to evaluate current distribution pattern of the hispid hare
in the Babai Valley of Bardia National Park, identify the environmental
factors that influenced distribution, and assess existing threats to the
species. We conducted a field survey in December 2020 before grassland
burn and May-June 2021, after a grassland burn. A total of 428 transects
(50 m * 2 m) in a 1 km x 1 km grid were conducted across 1048.55 hectares
of grassland in the valley. Hispid hare pellets were recorded in the
grassland of Kalinara, Guthi, Sano Shree Phanta, Chitaale Phanta,
Ratomate, Rhino Release Site (Babai), and Mulghat (Chepang) in Bardia
National Park. The distribution pattern of the pellets was found to be
clumped in the Babai Valley. We recorded higher pellet density
post-grassland burn than the pre-burn, which indicated higher population
density in summer in comparison to winter. The best-fit model suggested
that grass density, grassland burning, and annual precipitation have
influenced the distribution of hispid hare. Results suggest the species
prefers the riverbank in winter but short grassland in summer, while the
forest and edge between the grassland and forest were avoided. The
grassland patches in Babai (preferred hispid hare habitat) comprised 14
grass species in Babai dominated by Imperata cylindrica, Schharum
spontaneum, and Cynodon doctylon. Seasonal grassland burn, summer flood,
invasive species, vegetation succession, and predators were major threats
in the field. Our findings can help park officials in the management and
restoration of degraded grassland of the park and guide the developing
management and species action plan. We recommend conservation efforts
focus on protecting and managing grasslands that provide suitable habitat
for the hispid hare.