Bamboo distribution in Nepal and its impact on red pandas

Damber Bista, Bishal Bhattrai, Saroj Shrestha, Sonam Tashi Lama, Man Kumar Dhamala, Krishna Prasad Acharya, Shant Raj Jnawali, Manoj Bhatta, Annapurna Nanda Das, Ang Phuri Sherpa

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Bamboo availability is a central aspect of red panda conservation. However, its diversity, distribution and contribution to the species’ diet is unknown. This study aimed to enumerate bamboo species, map their distribution and evaluate their contribution in the red panda diet. We recorded 13 bamboo species. Of these, 11 bamboo species contributed 99% of the total bamboo constituent present in red panda diet. The four bamboo species, namely Thamnocalamus spathiflorus, Yushania maling, Yushania microphylla and Drepanostachyum falcatum contributed more than three-fourth of the total contributions in the diet. Red panda could be vulnerable to bamboo loss, and the level of vulnerability could be severe, especially during the bamboo flowering events. We suggest plantation of alternative bamboo species, regulate bamboo harvesting and manage connectivity in the red panda habitat.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationRed Panda
Subtitle of host publicationBiology and Conservation of the First Panda
EditorsAngela R. Glatston
Place of PublicationOxford
PublisherElsevier
Chapter19
Pages353-368
Number of pages16
Edition2
ISBN (Electronic)9780128237533
ISBN (Print)9780128237540
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2021

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