Factors influencing the habitat selection of Mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) and its conservation threats in the Rapti River of Chitwan National Park, Nepal

• DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2023.e02406
• Publication Date: 2023-02-11T02:35:58Z
• Authors: Nishan K.C.; Bijaya Neupane; Bibek Belbase; Bijaya Dhami; Bhuwan Singh Bist; Chitra Rekha Basyal; Santosh Bhattarai
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; Habitat; Sympatric; Ecology; Anthropogenic threats; Generalized linear model; Sampling points; 01 natural sciences; QH540-549.5

Mugger crocodiles (hereafter called muggers) are the apex predator and keystone species in slow flowing freshwater ecosystem. They play an important role its functioning by distributing nutrients increasing primary productivity. Muggers have a sympatric distribution with gharials Rapti Narayani River of Chitwan National Park, but more research conservation attention has been focused on Nepal. The inadequate availability information occupied habitats muggers restrict their evidence-based management. Therefore, we investigated ecological factors affecting habitat selection threats River. We conducted preliminary survey, followed detailed February March 2022. During pre-defined characteristics were recorded at each station spaced 500 m intervals along river as well locations where sighted. used generalized linear model (glm) under binomial family logit link function to analyze influencing muggers. dependent variable was presence or absence sampling points independent variables included: bank aspect, width, mid-river depth, substrate type, slope, water current, invasive alien plant species, anthropogenic disturbances. In addition, relative whole-site ranking method employed determine most prevalent mugger. survey period, total 46 mugger individuals, 74% observed basking 26% submerged river. highest percentage (39.1%) sandy bank, grass forest (19.5%), clay (15.1%), respectively. Only banks moderate (15–25°) moderately steep (25–35°) slopes found be significant occurrence Fishing extraction materials, disposal garbage solid waste ranked threats. For long-term River, effective management plans strategies required control illegal activities such fishing, sand mining, boulder quarrying. Research spatio‐temporal partitioning between is recommended understand how resources shared species.