Habitat selection of Himalayan Musk Deer Moschus leucogaster (Mammalia: Artiodactyla: Moschidae) with respect to biophysical attributes in Annapurna Conservation Area of Nepal

Himalayan or White-bellied Musk Deer Moschus leucogaster, an IUCN indexed endangered species, is distributed in isolated pockets the Himalaya. The deer population decreasing owing to several pressures that include habitat loss and fragmentation, poaching. It essential identify preferred characteristics support appropriate management strategies for conserving this species. This study was carried out Nysheang basin of Annapurna Conservation Area Nepal habitats by musk deer. Habitat field parameters were collected using transect surveys. To analyze vegetation use availability, nested quadrate plots size 20 m2 established. Ivlev’s electivity index (IV) (-1 +1) employed determine preference, one-way ANOVA (F) chi-square tests (?2) used examine different parameters. Similarly, importance value (IVI) calculated. Our results showed strongly at 3601–3800 m altitude (IV= 0.3, F= 4.58, P <0.05), with 21–30º slope 0.2, 4.14, 26–50 % crown cover 0.25, 4.45, ground 0.15, 4.13, mixed forest 0.29, ?2= 28.82, df= 3, p <0.001). Among trees, Abies spectabilis (IVI= 74.87, IV= 0.035) Rhododendron arboretum 55.41, 0.02) most preferred, while lepidotum, Cassiope fastigiata 0.35) Berberis aristata 0.25) shrubs, Primula denticulata 0.87) rotundifolia 0.31) herbs. These conditions should be maintained conserved sustain a viable area. Further studies will required assess effects climate change on suitability.