Journal of Animal Diversity

Journal of Animal Diversity

First photographic evidence and new distribution records of the Himalayan musk-deer Moschus leucogaster (Hodgson, 1839) from Southern Central part of Tsirang district in Bhutan

Document Type : Short Communication

Authors
Jigme Tenzin
Phuntsho Tobgay
Sonam Choidup
Tenzin Dorji
Tsirang Territorial Forest Division, Department of Forests and Park Services, Tsirang District, Bhutan
Abstract
Musk-deer belong to the order Artiodactyla and family Moschidae. There are seven species of musk-deer, two of which--Moschus chrysogaster and Moschus leucogaster--have been reported from Bhutan. However, the absence of comprehensive, countrywide distribution studies and species-specific research has hindered a clear understanding of the ecology, distribution and population status of these endangered musk-deer in the Bhutan Himalayas. Recent records of Moschus leucogaster from the south-central parts of Tsirang district represent new distribution records for the country. Notably, its occurrence at 2,200 m.a.s.l in Tsirang extends the species’ lower elevational limit, providing new insights into its distributional range. These findings highlight the urgent need for extensive camera-trap surveys and detailed habitat ecological studies to reassess the species elevational ranges and habitat requirements within Tsirang District. In addition, future identification of musk-deer in Bhutan should incorporate genetic analyses to resolve taxonomic uncertainties and provide robust, quantitative evidence for refining their distributional ranges.
Keywords
Conservation threats, distribution, habitat, "> Himalayan musk-deer, "> Moschus leucogaster
Subjects
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