Large mammals surviving conflict in the eastern forests of Afghanistan

The area contains a range of habitats from oak Quercus spp. forests to treeless alpine steppes, historically hosting populations of markhor Capra falconeri, Asiatic black bear Ursus thibetanus, grey wolf Canis lupus, and common leopard Panthera pardus, among others. The study area, covering approximately 1,100 km2, is characterized by extended oak forests up to 2,500 m, displaced by coniferous forests comprising juniper Juniperus spp., pine Pinus spp., and deodar cedar Cedrus deodara. The area has experienced significant habitat loss and unsustainable hunting due to the proliferation of modern weaponry and the breakdown of traditional management practices for natural resources. A comprehensive review of Nuristan's wildlife was last conducted in 1977, when a 6-week mission studied the viability of a potential markhor trophy-hunting program in the region. The mission made direct observations of markhor and ibex Capra sibirica, and although approximately 350 markhor were observed, it was estimated that a much larger population existed in the area. The Wildlife Conservation Society conducted camera-trap surveys, transect surveys for large mammals, and scat collection surveys in south central Nuristan Province between 2006 and 2009. The survey teams, comprised of people from Nuristan and neighboring provinces, were led in the field by local community leaders and University of Nangarhar-trained veterinarians. The teams were trained in survey methodologies, navigation, and data collection techniques, and were equipped with digital cameras, range finders, binoculars, and data sheets. Transect surveys for large mammals were conducted during four periods between December 2006 and May 2007, covering 25 of the 27 grid cells. The teams surveyed a total of 115 transects, noting evidence of species occurrence such as sightings, signs, tracks, scats, and carcasses. Camera-trap surveys were conducted in six of the 50-km2 grid cells, with ten camera traps placed in five pairs to estimate the minimum population size of the common leopard using capture-recapture techniques. The cameras were placed perpendicular to trails, on opposite sides, to capture photographs of the uniquely identifiable pelage patterns on both flanks of the common leopard. The surveys confirmed the presence of some of the species historically known to inhabit the area, including the Indian crested porcupine Hystrix indica, red fox Vulpes vulpes, and a canid (grey wolf or golden jackal Canis aureus). The most commonly recorded species were the Indian crested porcupine, red fox, and a canid. The surveys also recorded the common palm civet Paradoxurus hermaphroditus, previously unknown from Afghanistan, extending the westernmost boundary for this species.