What Defines the Habitat Use Pattern of Mountain Ungulate? A Case Study of Endemic Himalayan Tahr in Govind Pashu Vihar, Western Himalaya
Abstract
Understanding the habitat use by mountain ungulates is essential for conservation planning in mountainous ecosystems. However, it becomes important to know the habitat use pattern for endemic species living in rugged and remote terrain. In this study we examined the habitat-use patterns of endemic Himalayan Tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus), a mountain ungulate in Govind Pashu Vihar (GPV) landscape of western Himalayan region. We surveyed the study area during pre-monsoon season from April 2025 to June 2025. The study area was divided into equal sized 43 grids of 2.5 × 2.5 km each. Data was collected through direct observations and indirect sign surveys, and analyzed using a single-species, single-season occupancy modelling framework. Occupancy (ψ) and detection probability (p) were modelled using nine site-level covariates (topographic, anthropogenic, and environmental) and two sampling-level covariates. As grid size approximated the species’ home range, occupancy (ψ) is interpreted here as an index of site use. The estimated site use (ψ) of Himalayan Tahr was 0.62 (SE ± 0.08), while detection probability (p) was 0.48 (SE ± 0.06). Site use increased with elevation, terrain ruggedness, and north-facing slopes, and was high in alpine grassland, sub-alpine scrubland, and sub-alpine forest, but declined in temperate and dense forest and in areas with intensive livestock grazing. In contrast, detection probability declined with increasing precipitation and was slightly lower under cooler conditions during the survey period. These results suggest that terrain-based security and forage availability, moderated by livestock presence are key correlates of habitat use by Himalayan Tahr. This study represents the first occupancy-based assessment of Himalayan Tahr habitat use in GPV, and the finding will provide critical baseline data to support future management strategies within ecologically sensitive alpine ecosystems.