Habitat Use and Conservation Threats of Satyr Tragopan in Jigme Dorji National Park

Abstract

Jigme Dorji National Park (JDNP) is the second largest national park in Bhutan. Satyr tragopan (Tragopan satyra Linnaeus), which is a near-threatened species according to the IUCN, is found in JDNP between an elevation range of 1800-4500 m. However, developmental activities are thought to be exerting pressure on its habitat. Therefore, a study was conducted to assess the habitat use and conservation threats to Satyr tragopan in JDNP. There was a significant association in the use of habitat types, preferring mostly oak and juniper forests of east and southeast aspects (p < .05) and the slope of habitat ranged between 0° and 40°. There was no correlation between number of Satyr tragopan and factors such as elevation, canopy cover percent and shrub cover percent (p > .05). There was also
no association between plant species diversity and Satyr tragopan numbers (p > .05). Tree felling and poaching were the most common threats of Satyr tragopan in JDNP. An area of 1,018.81 km2 is suitable as habitat for Satyr tragopan in JDNP. We propose that conservation of oak, fir and alder forests is very important as winter habitats of Satyr tragopan and requires further studies on habitat use patterns
in other seasons as well for effective conservation of this species.