Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

New record of distribution and population density of Golden Marmot (Marmota caudata) from District Neelum, AJ&K, Pakistan

2015; Volume: 7; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.12692/ijb/7.2.96-105

2222-5234

Evolution and Paleontology Studies

Abstract Purpose of this research was to collect information about population density and distribution of golden marmot ( Marmota caudata ) from Neelum valley, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Line transect method was used and data were taken from eight selected sites through distance sampling. Width of transect was 200 m while length varies from 0.5 to 5 Km adjusted according to the terrain of the site. All sampling transects were taken in alpine zone between altitude of 3120 m (Shounter) to 3884 m (Lawat Patlian) representing an area of approximately 918 km 2 . The patchy distribution of golden marmots was recorded from alpine zone of district Neelum within the altitudinal range of 3120 m to 3884 m asl. Population density of golden marmot was highest at Noori Nar (0.473 individual ha-1, 95%CI: 0.213-1.052) while lowest at Baboon (0.10 individual ha-1, 95% CI 0.057-0.185). Effective width of transect was 52.73 m (Baboon), 54.55 m (Bloar Kassi, 46.93 m (Janwai), 57.47 m (Lawat), 57.63 m (Noori Nar) 57.83 m (Shakar Garh) and 55.32 m from Shounter. Golden marmots were sporadically distributed within the alpine zone of district Neelum. Their density varies from one habitat to another which ranges 0.10 animals per hectare to 0.473 animals per hectare.