Spatial habitat overlap and habitat preference of Himalayan musk deer Moschus chrysogaster

Abstract: The musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster), which is native to Nepal, China, Bhutan, and India, is an endangered species, which suffers a high level of poaching due to the economic demand for its musk pod. The World Heritage Site (WHS), Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) National Park (SNP), provides prime habitat for this species. Our aim in this study was to perform a quantitative assessment of the habitat preferences of musk deer in SNP, and evaluate how preferred habitat might be impacted by anthropogenic activities. Results showed that the musk deer population is distributed in 131 km 2 of the park area. We recorded 39 musk deer (11 male, 16 female and 12 unidentified) in Debuche, Tengboche, Phortse Thanga, Dole, and associated areas in SNP. The musk deer in these areas preferred gentle to steep slopes with the altitudinal range of 3400-3900m and also displayed a preference for dense forest and sparse ground/crown cover. The musk deer preferred the treesAbies spectabilis, Betula utilis, shrubs-Rhododendron spp., Rosa sericea, and herbs-Usnea spp. and Rui grass, many of which are harvested for construction and firewood. There was, in addition, a significant overlap (35%) in the habitat of musk deer and the distribution of livestock within the region. Future planning for the conservation of musk deer must take into the habitat impacts because of anthropogenic activities and livestock grazing