Ecological Determinants of Endangered Hispid Hare ( Caprolagus hispidus ) in Shuklaphanta National Park, Nepal

Hispid hare ( Caprolagus hispidus ) is an endangered lagomorph inhabiting tropical grassland ecosystems within the protected areas of Southern Nepal. In the study, we assessed distribution, influencing habitat characteristics, and associated threats to the hispid hare in Shuklaphanta National Park, one of its key habitats. Habitat surveys were conducted using 80 strip transects (20 × 4 m 2 ) with nested circular plots. Hispid hare pellet clusters were found in the 20% transects, totaling 93 pellet groups. The highest pellet occurrence was recorded in Haraiyaphanta (35%) and Shuklaphanta (32%). Across all the grasslands, the species exhibited a clumped distribution pattern. According to habitat research, dense ground cover, dry area, and distance away from water sources were identified as the important habitat features associated with hispid hare presence. Hispid hare habitat was dominated by Imperata cylindrica followed by Narenga porphyrocoma and Saccharum spontaneum . The study also indicated grassland fire and thatch cutting as the major threats to the species survival inside the park.