Population status, distribution and potential threats of the Blue Bull Boselaphus tragocamelus (Mammalia: Cetartiodactyla: Bovidae) along the Tinau River of Rupandehi District, Nepal

Abstract

The status and conservation of the Blue Bull Boselaphus tragocamelus is becoming one of the prominent discourses of wildlife research. The study was carried out along the Tinau River at Rupandehi District in western Nepal to ascertain the population status, distribution and potential threats to the Blue Bull. The study was conducted along six transect lines in the forest. A total of 40 Blue Bulls were recorded in different transects. The average group size was five. The average population density was 0.228 Blue Bulls per ha and the sex ratio was 1 male: 3 females. The potential threats of the Blue Bull along the Tinau River were habitat destruction, overgrazing, conflict, flooding and accident.