Journal of Animal Diversity

Journal of Animal Diversity

Carnivores recorded in Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhutan

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Dorji Phuntsho 1
Tshewang Tenzin 2
Jigme Wangchuk 3
1 Forest Monitoring and Information Division, Thimphu, Department of Forest and Park Services, 11001, Bhutan
2 Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, Trashigang, Department of Forest and Park Services, 42011, Bhutan
3 Divisional Forest Office, Dagana, Department of Forest and Park Services, 35002, Bhutan
10.22034/JAD.2025.7.1.4
Abstract
A camera trap survey was conducted from October 19, 2021, to January 19, 2022, in the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, Trashigang, Eastern Bhutan as a part of nationwide tiger survey. Ten carnivore species including Asiatic black bear, Asian golden cat, Clouded leopard, Leopard, Marbled cat, Red fox, Red panda, Bengal tiger, and Yellow-throated martens were captured by cameras in 32 different locations, ranging in elevation from 1,500 to 4,500 meters above sea level. Despite the presence of large numbers of herders within the sanctuary, which places significant pressure on forest resources, these species were successfully documented. Species independent events, relative abundance index and photographic capture frequency were calculated. Most of the recorded species are classified as Endangered (EN) or Vulnerable (VU) according to the latest IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Red fox was the most frequently captured species while Bengal tiger and Clouded leopard were the least. A diverse carnivore population coexists with a large number of livestock within the sanctuary. To gain a comprehensive knowledge on carnivores, a more intensive camera trap survey is necessary to determine suitable habitats, activity pattern and prey preference of different carnivores.
Keywords
Camera trap
carnivore
diversity
prey
Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary

Subjects

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Journal of Animal Diversity
Volume 7, Issue 1 - Serial Number 1
Cover photo: The Ottoman Viper Montivipera xanthina (Gray, 1849) (Ophidia: Viperidae), from Gönen, Balıkesir, Türkiye. Photo by Arda Emre Kandil, 02 April 2024.
Winter 2025
Pages 49-56