Pangolin Distribution and Predicted Habitat Loss From the Nagmati Dam in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, Nepal

Pangolins (genus Manis) are globally threatened mammals facing intense pressure from poaching, illegal trade, and habitat loss, particularly in human-dominated landscapes. As habitat specialists, it is crucial to map site-specific distribution and ensure human activities are not detrimental to their local population. This study examined pangolin distribution in the eastern part of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park and assessed the potential impact of the proposed Nagmati Dam. We conducted continuous belt transect surveys (600 m long and 50 m wide) along the centroid of each grid cell across 101 grids (600 × 600 m each) at elevations of 1606-2422 m, recording 67 burrows (49 inactive, 18 active), indicating a clumped distribution. Moderate vegetation cover (using NDVI as a proxy) and slope were the primary environmental factors positively associated with the distribution of active pangolin burrows in Shivapuri Forest, with a substantial proportion of variation (McFadden's pseudo-R ² = 0.61). The proposed Nagmati Dam and its reservoir will inundate 25 ha of prime pangolin habitat and an additional 65.304 ha that likely fall within the home ranges and foraging areas of pangolins, resulting in substantial habitat loss. The Environmental Impact Assessment for the dam project overlooks this threat, failing to recognize its potential impact on pangolins or to propose mitigation measures to safeguard them during construction. We recommend robust conservation measures and a thorough reassessment of the dam's environmental impacts on this Critically Endangered species.