The effect of habitat degradation on binturong abundance : a comparative study between Khao Yai and Thap Lan National Parks, Thailand | |
| Author | Phuyal, Bina |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.NR-23-03 |
| Subject(s) | Bears--Effect of habitat modification on--Thailand Bears--Habitat--Thailand Habitat (Ecology)--Thailand |
| Note | A thesis submitted in patial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Natural Resources Management |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | The Binturong, a species widely distributed across South and Southeast Asia, has been subject to significant population declines and habitat degradation due to anthropogenic activities. Despite being listed as vulnerable, there exists a dearth of information regarding its population density and habitat preferences. To address this knowledge gap, the abundance and population density of Binturongs in two national parks within the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex in Thailand, were estimated. The study was conducted by employing camera traps at 78 locations in Khao Yai (December 2009– May 2011) and 45 locations in Thap Lan (December 2012-August 2014) to collect detection/non detection data (occupancy data). The Royle Nichols’ hierarchical model, which accounts for detection heterogeneity and estimates abundance from replicated presence/absence measurements, was used to link occupancy data with abundance. Eleven habitat-related factors at various spatial scales were studied. The models included an observed variable and seven habitat variables to generate estimates using Bayesian and Maximum Likelihood inferences. The habitat conditions in Khao Yai were more favorable compared to those in Thap Lan, particularly with respect to fruit abundance, forest composition based on tree DBH, and human disturbance. According to the findings, the average population of Binturongs per station was 25% higher in Khao Yai than in Thap Lan, with an average detection probability per station being less than 1%. Furthermore, the distance of camera stations to settlements was found to be the only variable with significant effect and was negatively associated with abundance in both parks. However, additional research is required to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying factors influencing this relation, and to establish whether Binturongs have the potential to adapt to living in human-inhabited areas. Overall, this study serves as a baseline for Binturong's population density in Khao Yai and Thap Lan national parks, underscoring the need to maintain and restore high-quality forests with sufficient fruit availability to prioritize conservation efforts. These findings emphasize the importance of continued monitoring and conservation of the Binturong to prevent further declines and preserve Binturongs in the two national parks. |
| Year | 2023 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Natural Resources Management (NRM) |
| Chairperson(s) | Shrestha, Rajendra P.; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Tsusaka, Takuji W.; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | AIT Scholarships; |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2023 |