Geospatial Analysis of Habitat Suitability for Himalayan Serow Capricornis sumatraensis (Bechstein, 1799) in Annapurna Conservation Area of Nepal by using MaXent Model

Capricornis sumatraensis Bechstein, the only sub-species of Serow found in Nepal, is a threatened species distributed across protected mountainous areas. In this study, we conducted a preliminary systematic survey to record the presence or absence of C. sumatraensis, and used satellite imagery, topo-maps, and field data to analyze habitat suitability and vegetation preference using MAXENT and ArcGIS. We also conducted focus group discussions, questionnaire surveys, and key informant surveys to assess the severity of various threats. The results showed that 18.3% of the total area was highly suitable, 16.8% was moderately suitable, and the remaining 64.76% was less suitable habitat. C. sumatraensis preferred a Quercus semecarpifolia and Rhododendron arboreum-dominated forest, where Drepanostachyum falcatum and Girardinia diversifolia were the dominant shrubs and Anaphalis busua and Tracheophyta were dominant herbs. The major threats to C. sumatraensis were poaching and hunting, open grazing, illegal resource collection, climate change, and development activities. Our findings can inform conservation efforts for this species and benefit conservation area managers, researchers, and academicians.