Bubalus arnee Forage under Threat: an Assessment of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal
Open accessAbstract
Wild water buffalo (Bubalus arnee) are categorized as endangered on the IUCN Red list, with global population of less than 4000 individuals distributed over less than 20,000 km 2 in Nepal, India, Srilanka, Bhutan, Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand.In Nepal Bubalus arnee is locally called Arna or Jungali bhainshi is larger and heavier than domestic buffalo weighing from 800 to 1200 kg.They are probably grazers by preference, feeding mainly on grasses, but also eat herbs, fruits, barks and browse trees and shrubs.There were 432 Bubalus arnee in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in 2016.Threats were identified through literature review and verified during the sample plots survey, questionnaire and expert views.50 foraging plots were set where fresh dung of Bubalus arnee existed and recorded in survey form.Six potential threats were identified viz flooding, domestic cattle grazing, collection of forest products, invasive plant species, forest fire and shrinking habitat.Flooding and domestic cattle were highly significant threats to the foraging plants.Measures to control threats will perhaps help to protect the human wildlife conflict in the area.
AI snapshot
Written from the paper’s full text.
TL;DR
This study identifies six potential threats to forage plants preferred by endangered wild water buffalo (*Bubalus arnee*) in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal. Flooding and domestic cattle grazing were the most significant threats reported.
Key findings
- Six potential threats were identified: flooding, domestic livestock grazing, collection of forest products, invasive plant species, forest fire, and shrinking habitat.
- Flooding was recorded in all 50 foraging plots and accepted by all 50 questionnaire respondents; domestic cattle grazing was recorded in 40 plots but accepted by only 23 respondents, while forest product collection was recorded in 28 plots and accepted by 21 respondents.
- Invasive species were recorded in 23 of 50 plots and accepted by 23 respondents; *Mikania micrantha* was recorded as consumed by *Bubalus arnee* in 10 plots. Forest fire was recorded in 12 plots.
- Shrinking habitat was accepted by 17 respondents and linked to population growth from 63 individuals in 1976 to 432 in 2016, reducing space from 2.78 km² to 0.41 km² per individual.
Methods
- The study was conducted in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal, on the Saptakoshi river floodplain.
- Fifty 5 m × 5 m foraging plots were set where fresh *Bubalus arnee* dung was directly observed; a survey format recorded plot data, cattle presence, habitat, GPS coordinates, and existing plants.
- Potential threats were identified from plot surveys (n=50), a questionnaire with local community members (n=50), literature review, and expert views; data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.
Limitations
- The paper states that there was a lack of information directly suggesting threats to plant species, so the research depended on other relevant threats such as threats to *Bubalus arnee*, KTWR, and biodiversity.
- The paper notes that accurate numbers of purebred *Bubalus arnee* in KTWR remain unclear because censuses were based on morphology rather than genetic study.
- Evident from the text: threat identification relied partly on cause-and-effect reasoning and secondary information, and plot survey results and questionnaire responses disagreed for domestic cattle grazing and forest product collection.
Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Claims the paper makes
4 of 32 cited sources checked · 3 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured
- Premisecitation
Several evidences in Nepal and India show that Bubalus arnee feed on crops, including rice, sugarcane and jute.
“Several evidences in Nepal and India show that they feed on crops, including rice, sugarcane and jute (Heinen et al., 2006;Aryal et. al., 2011).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 2 sources checked- cites Heinen et al., 2006 source
Table 2 in the Discussion records wild buffalo deaths in rice and cane fields in Nepal, placing them in fields of two of the named crops. It does not establish that the buffalo ate those crops, and the paper provides no evidence of jute feeding or crop feeding in India. (LLM, conf=0.79)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measured - cites Aryal et. al., 2011
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisecitation
Many domestic animals were kept in semi-wild or tended, free-ranging state to crossbreed with wild males in expectation that hybrid calves would give higher price.
“Many of these domestic animals were kept in semi wild or tended, free ranging state to crossbreed with wild males in expectation that hybrid calves would in return give them higher price (Heinen, 1993).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked- cites Heinen, 1993 source
- Findingown data
Invasive species were recorded in 23 out of 50 foraging plots surveyed.
“Invasive species were recorded in 23 plots out of 50 foraging plots surveyed.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Most foraging plots occurred in grassland followed by shrub land based on the occurrence of fresh dung sample.
“Most of the plots occurred in the grassland followed by shrub land based on the occurrence of the fresh dung sample.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
During the survey, domestic buffalo were the major invaders followed by cow and goats.
“During survey, domestic buffalo was major invaders followed by cow and goats.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
- Findingown data
23 respondents informed that invasive species were a key threat for the habitat and plants of Bubalus.
“23 respondents informed that invasive species were also key threat for the habitat and plants of Bubalus.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingnone given
There were 432 Bubalus arnee in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in 2016.
“There were 432 Bubalus arnee in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in 2016.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
All respondents suggested that flooding is one of the major causes of threat to Bubalus arnee and its habitat.
“During the questionnaire, entire respondents suggested that flooding is one of the major causes of threat to Bubalus arnee and its habitat.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Five specific potential threats were identified from data analysis of information collected from foraging plots survey format (n=50).
“Five specific potential threats were identified from the data analysis of information collected from foraging plots survey format (n=50).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- The authors state this as an assumption: Threats to plant species preferred by Bubalus arnee can be inferred from threats to Bubalus arnee, KTWR, and biodiversity because direct information on threats to plant species is lacking.
- Findingown data
Six potential threats to foraging plants of Bubalus arnee were identified: flooding, domestic cattle grazing, collection of forest products, invasive plant species, forest fire and shrinking habitat.
“Six potential threats were identified viz flooding, domestic cattle grazing, collection of forest products, invasive plant species, forest fire and shrinking habitat.”
- Also stated in: § 3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION · plain
“Six potential threats were identified from this research.”
- Also stated in: § 4. CONCLUSION · plain
“Six potential threats for plant species preferred by Bubalus arnee were identified viz, flooding, domestic livestock grazing, collection of forest products, forest fire, threats from invasive species, and shrinking habitat.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- The authors state this as an assumption: Threats to plant species preferred by Bubalus arnee can be inferred from threats to Bubalus arnee, KTWR, and biodiversity because direct information on threats to plant species is lacking.
- Also stated in: § 3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION · plain
- Findingown data
Mikania micrantha was recorded to be consumed by Bubalus in 10 survey plots.
“It was interesting that Mikania micrantha recorded to be consumed by Bubalus in 10 survey plots, which is one of the key invasive species.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Out of 50 plots, direct observation of cattle grazing, dung and pellets of domestic animals were recorded in 40 plots.
“Out of 50 plots direct observation of cattle grazing, dung and pellets of domestic animals were recorded in 40 plots.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingreasoning
Increased population of Bubalus arnee reduced space from 2.78 sq.km to 0.41 sq.km per individual.
“consequently, increased population of Bubalus has reduced the space from 2.78 Sq.km to 0.41 Sq.km per individual Bubalus.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingnone given
Unsustainable harvesting of forest products, especially grass, threatens the loss of foraging plants.
“Unsustainable harvesting of forest products specially the grass for various domestic purpose by the local also threatens the loss of foraging plants.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- The authors state this as an assumption: Threats to plant species preferred by Bubalus arnee can be inferred from threats to Bubalus arnee, KTWR, and biodiversity because direct information on threats to plant species is lacking.
- Findingnone given
The population of Bubalus arnee increased from 63 individuals in 1976 to 432 in 2016.
“Population trend of Bubalus arnee shows that the number is increasing from 63 individuals when it first established in 1976 up to 432 in 2016”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
There were records of forest fire incidence in 12 plots during the survey.
“There were records of forest fire incidence in 12 plots during the survey.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingnone given
Although low, forest fire also threatens the forage plants for Bubalus in KTWR.
“Although low, forest fire also threatens the forage plants for the Bubalus in KTWR.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- The authors state this as an assumption: Threats to plant species preferred by Bubalus arnee can be inferred from threats to Bubalus arnee, KTWR, and biodiversity because direct information on threats to plant species is lacking.
- Premisecitation
KTWR office allows collection of forest products such as grass for thatching, fodder for cattle and fuel wood for domestic use, legally allowed on a seasonal basis.
“KTWR office allows collection of forest products such as grass for thatching, fodder for cattle and fuel wood for domestic use, which is legally allowed in seasonal basis (Khatri et al., 2010).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Khatri et al., 2010
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisecitation
The pressure of the local community is so high that they enter the reserve illegally for collection of grass and other forest products with no restriction of season.
“However, the pressure of local community is so high that they enter reserve illegally for collection of grass, and other forest products with no restriction of season (Heinen & Kandel, 2008).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Heinen & Kandel, 2008
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisecitation
Local people use Saccharum spontaneum, Typha elephantine, Phragmites karka for thatching and fodder.
“Local people use Saccharum spontaneum, Typha elephantine, Phragmites karka for thatching and fodder (Heinen, 1993b).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Heinen, 1993b
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Interpretationreasoning
Illegal entrance of local farmers to the reserve for collection of forest products has increased the likelihood of fire incidence in the grassland.
“Illegal entrance of local farmers to the reserve for collection of forest products has increased the likelihood of fire incidence in the grassland.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
Domestic livestock grazing has caused competition for palatable plants among wild water buffalo and domestic livestock.
“This has caused competition for palatable plants among wild water buffalo and domestic livestock.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
Disease and parasites transmitted by domestic livestock can be serious threats to Bubalus arnee.
“Disease and parasites transmitted by domestic livestock can be also serious threats to Bubalus arnee (Aryal et al., 2011;Heinen & Paudel, 2015).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Aryal et al., 2011
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Heinen & Paudel, 2015
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisecitation
Large herbivores' biomass and health depend upon food availability.
“This includes large herbivores as their biomass and health depend upon food availability (Fritz & Duncan, 1994).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Fritz & Duncan, 1994
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisecitation
Flooding trend shows frequent flooding activities in KTWR damaging flora and fauna.
“Flooding trend also shows that there were frequent flooding activities in the KTWR damaging flora and fauna of the KTWR (Khatri et al., 2010).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Khatri et al., 2010
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisecitation
Uncontrolled and over-harvesting of plants from the reserve reduces the quantity and quality of plants preferred by Bubalus arnee.
“Uncontrolled and over harvesting of plants from the reserve reduces the quantity and quality of plants that are preferred by Bubalus arnee (Aryal, 2011).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Aryal, 2011
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisecitation
Mikania micrantha has been creating a serious threat in native vegetation and for all sorts of plants including Bubalus forage species.
“However, this weed has been creating a serious threat in the native vegetation and been threat for all sorts of plants including Bubalus forage species (Khatri et al., 2010).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Khatri et al., 2010
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Interpretationown data
Uncontrolled forest fire has frequently changed the composition of forest structure, replacing preferred species by less preferred ones.
“Due to the uncontrolled forest fire frequently has changed the composition of the forest structure resulting replacing preferred species by less preferred ones.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
Introduction of invasive flora reduces the volume of preferred plants.
“Introduction of invasive flora reduces the volume of preferred plants.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- The authors state this as an assumption: Threats to plant species preferred by Bubalus arnee can be inferred from threats to Bubalus arnee, KTWR, and biodiversity because direct information on threats to plant species is lacking.
- Premisecitation
Shrinkage in habitat has an impact on the quantity and quality of available food for Bubalus arnee.
“The shrinkage in the habitat has impact on the quantity and quality of available food for Bubalus (Aryal et al., 2011).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Aryal et al., 2011
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Interpretationnone given
If the area covered by water bodies, agricultural land, sand and gravel, and marshes are deducted, the available space for Bubalus arnee would decrease significantly.
“If the area covered by water bodies, agricultural and sand and gravel and marshes are deducted then the available space would decrease significantly.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
- May combine two claims. 25
- Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 8
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationInvasive species such as Chromolaena odorata, Eupatorium adenophorum, Lantana camara, Mikania micrantha are found in KTWR and are becoming problematic for management.
“Invasive species such as Chromolaena odorata, Eupatorium adenophorum, Lantana camara, Mikania micrantha are found in KTWR (Siwakoti, 2009) which are becoming problematic for the management (Aryal et al., 2011;Chettri et al., 2013).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 3 sources checked- cites Siwakoti, 2009
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Aryal et al., 2011
- cites Chettri et al., 2013 source
Classified as probably not a substantial claim.
PremisecitationFood resources are often critical regulating factors affecting individual growth and population densities.
“Food resources are often critical regulating factors affecting individual growth and population densities (Aryal et al., 2015).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked- cites Aryal et al., 2015 source
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
Findingown dataShrinking habitat due to increase in population of Bubalus arnee was accepted by 17 respondents and was not part of foraging plots survey.
“Shrinking habitat due to increase in population of Bubalus arnee was accepted by 17 respondents which was not part of foraging plots survey.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingown dataFlooding was recorded in all 50 foraging plots and accepted by all 50 respondents.
“This analysis showed that flooding was recorded in entire plots and was also accepted by entire 50 respondents.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingown dataEntire plots lay within 100 meters from the river with low altitudinal range, making the area sensitive to flooding.
“Entire plots lied within 100 meters from the river with low altitudinal range making area sensitive of flooding.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingown dataMost forage plots lay close to the Saptakoshi river banks, which had high risk of flooding and thus swept nearby plants.
“Most of the forage plots lied close to the Saptakoshi river banks which had high risk of flooding and thus swept the plants nearby.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingown dataInvasive species and forest fire had increased respondent acceptance as potential threats.
“In contrast Invasive species and forest fire have increased in respondents' response.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingown dataDomestic buffalo were directly observed grazing inside the core area of the reserve, and fresh and old dung suggested the area was invaded by domestic livestock.
“Domestic buffalo were directly observed grazing inside the core area of reserve and fresh and old dung of domestic buffalo presence in the area also suggested that the area was invaded by domestic livestock.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingown dataFlooding was the most significant threat to the forage of Bubalus arnee, followed by domestic cattle grazing inside the reserve.
“Flooding and domestic cattle were highly significant threats to the foraging plants.”
- Also stated in: § 4. CONCLUSION · plain
“Flooding was the most significant threats to the forage of Bubalus arnee followed by the invading by domestic cattle inside the reserve.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- The authors state this as an assumption: Threats to plant species preferred by Bubalus arnee can be inferred from threats to Bubalus arnee, KTWR, and biodiversity because direct information on threats to plant species is lacking.
- Also stated in: § 4. CONCLUSION · plain
May combine two claims.
Findingown dataFlood, domestic cattle grazing, collection of forest products, invasive species and forest fire incidence were recorded from foraging plot data, while shrinking habitat due to population increase was identified after literature review.
“Flood, domestic cattle grazing, collection of forest products, invasive species and forest fire incidence were recorded while shrinking habitat due to population increase was identified after literature review.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- The authors state this as an assumption: Threats to plant species preferred by Bubalus arnee can be inferred from threats to Bubalus arnee, KTWR, and biodiversity because direct information on threats to plant species is lacking.
May combine two claims.
Findingown dataDomestic cattle grazing and collection of forest products occurred in 40 and 28 plots respectively, while only 23 and 21 respondents accepted them as potential threats.
“Survey showed that domestic cattle grazing and collection of forest products occurred in 40 and 28 plots while some of the respondents rejected these threats and only 23 (domestic cattle grazing) and 21 (forest product collection) accepted as potential threats.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingown dataOnly 23 respondents accepted domestic grazing as a potential threat, rejecting that it was as serious as recorded in the survey.
“However, respondents rejected that domestic grazing was as serious as was recorded in the survey.Only 23 respondents accepted this as a potential threat.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
PremisecitationKTWR is under pressure from the surrounding community depending on forest products and grazing cattle inside the reserve, which are main causes of depletion of food, disease transmission and hybridization causing extinction of the purebred population.
“KTWR is not free from pressure created by the surrounding community depending for forest products, and grazing cattle inside reserve, which are the main cause for depletion of food, transmitting disease and hybridization causing extinction of purebred population (Heinen, 2002;Aryal et al., 2011).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Heinen, 2002
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Aryal et al., 2011
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationContinuous flooding inside the reserve has been destroying grassland and wildlife habitat, further reducing the volume of palatable species.
“Continuous flooding inside the reserve has been destroying the grassland and wildlife habitat that further reduces the volume of palatable species (Aryal et al., 2011).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Aryal et al., 2011
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationShrestha 2017 identified Typha elephantine, Saccharum spontaneum, Tamarix dioica and Phragmites karka as key plant species preferred by Bubalus arnee.
“Shrestha 2017 identified Typha elephantine, Saccharum spontaneum, Tamarix dioica and Phragmites karka as the key plant species preferred by Bubalus arnee.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Shrestha 2017
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Classified as probably not a substantial claim.
Study design and conductnone givenDung was verified by physical observation and its nature for confirmation so that it was not mistaken with dung of domestic cattle.
“Dung was verified by physical observation and its nature for confirmation so that it was not mistaken with dung of domestic cattle.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
PremisecitationBubalus arnee is categorized as endangered on the IUCN Red List, with a global population of less than 4000 individuals distributed over less than 20,000 km2 in Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand.
“Wild water buffalo (Bubalus arnee) are categorized as endangered on the IUCN Red list, with global population of less than 4000 individuals distributed over less than 20,000 km 2 in Nepal, India, Srilanka, Bhutan, Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Hedges et al., 2008
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationThis research is supported by Heinen, 2008, which reported that villagers grazed large numbers of tended cattle and buffalo inside the reserve.
“This research is also supported by Heinen, 2008 which reported that villagers grazed large numbers of tended cattle and buffalo inside the reserve.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Heinen, 2008
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.
PremisecitationMikania micrantha is an extremely serious weed with exceptionally fast growth that damages or kills other plants by preventing light and smothering them.
“Mikania inherent traits of invasiveness and is an extremely serious weed with an exceptionally fast growth (Choudhary, 1972) that damages or kills other plants by preventing light and smothering them.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Choudhary, 1972
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
PremisecitationBubalus arnee is scheduled as Endangered on the IUCN Red List since 1986 and listed under Appendix III of CITES in Nepal.
“is scheduled as Endangered on the IUCN Red List since 1986 and listed under Appendix III of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora (CITES) in Nepal (Hedges et al., 2008).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Hedges et al., 2008
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
May combine two claims.
Interpretationnone givenReduction of palatable plants for Bubalus arnee forced the animal to invade agriculture farms for food, causing human-buffalo conflict in the area.
“Reduction of palatable plants for Bubalus arnee forced this animal to invade in agriculture farm for food, causing human buffalo conflict in the area.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- The authors state this as an assumption: Threats to plant species preferred by Bubalus arnee can be inferred from threats to Bubalus arnee, KTWR, and biodiversity because direct information on threats to plant species is lacking.
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationBubalus arnee are probably grazers by preference, feeding mainly on grasses, but also eat herbs, fruits, barks and browse trees and shrubs.
“They are probably grazers by preference, feeding mainly on grasses, but also eat herbs, fruits, barks and browse trees and shrubs.”
- Also stated in: § 1. INTRODUCTION · hedged
“They are probably grazers by preference, feeding mainly on grasses when available, but they also eat herbs, fruits, and bark as well as browse trees and shrubs (Aryal et., al., 2011).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Aryal et., al., 2011
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Also stated in: § 1. INTRODUCTION · hedged
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationDomestic livestock grazing inside the reserve is a serious threat both for Bubalus arnee and its forage plants.
“Domestic livestock grazing inside the reserve is also serious threats (Aryal et al., 2011) both for Bubalus arnee and its forage plants.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Aryal et al., 2011
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationMikania micrantha competes for water and nutrients and releases substances that inhibit the growth of other plants.
“It also competes for water and nutrients, but perhaps even more importantly, it releases substances that inhibit the growth of other plants (Ye and Xia, 2001).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Ye and Xia, 2001
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationThe Koshi river changed its course in 2008, swinging from the main channel to the eastern part of the reserve, causing loss of forest and grassland.
“The Koshi river changed its course in 2008 swinging from the main channel to the eastern part of the reserve, that had a dramatic change in the physical landscape such as loss of forest and grassland (Khatri et al., 2010).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Khatri et al., 2010
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
May combine two claims.
InterpretationreasoningShrinking habitat has caused competition among Bubalus arnee for palatable species within KTWR, forcing them to invade agricultural land and causing human-wildlife conflict.
“Shrinking habitat has caused competition among the Bubalus arnee for palatable species within the KTWR, which forces them to invade in agriculture land that causes the human wildlife conflict.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- The authors state this as an assumption: Threats to plant species preferred by Bubalus arnee can be inferred from threats to Bubalus arnee, KTWR, and biodiversity because direct information on threats to plant species is lacking.
May combine two claims.
InterpretationreasoningRise in population of Bubalus arnee has created overgrazing of palatable species and thus a chance of extinction of those plants.
“Besides, rise in population has created over grazing of palatable species and has thus chance of extinction of those plants.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
PremisecitationHuman pressure is increasing and demand for resources from the reserve is increasing, so habitats for globally significant species are shrinking.
“In other side human pressure is increasing and the demand for resources from reserve is also increasing, habitats for the globally significant species are thus shrinking (Hedges, 1995;Aryal et al., 2011).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Hedges, 1995
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Aryal et al., 2011
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationMost indigenous plant species are more sensitive to forest fire and take longer to grow back to their original states.
“Most of indigenous plant species are more sensitive to forest fire and takes longer to grow back to its original states (Aryal et al., 2011).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Aryal et al., 2011
The authors state this as an assumption.
Threats to plant species preferred by Bubalus arnee can be inferred from threats to Bubalus arnee, KTWR, and biodiversity because direct information on threats to plant species is lacking.
“Since there was lack of information which directly suggested the threats to plant species, research had to depend on other relevant threats such as threats to Bubalus arnee, threats to KTWR and threats to biodiversity that existed in KTWR.”
Self-check
Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.
Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.
Conflicting conservation status for Bubalus arnee
MinorThe paper describes Bubalus arnee as endangered on the IUCN Red List, but later calls it critically endangered.
“Wild water buffalo (Bubalus arnee) are categorized as endangered on the IUCN Red list”
“The reserve contains important habitat for variety of wildlife including critically endangered Bubalus arnee, river dolphins (Platanista gangetica) and migratory birds”
Invasive-species responses did not increase over plot observations
MinorThe text says invasive species increased in respondents' responses, but reports the same count-23-for respondents and surveyed plots.
“In contrast Invasive species and forest fire have increased in respondents' response.”
“Invasive species were recorded in 23 plots out of 50 foraging plots surveyed.It was interesting that Mikania micrantha recorded to be consumed by Bubalus in 10 survey plots, which is one of the key invasive species.However, this weed has been creating a serious threat in the native vegetation and been threat for all sorts of plants including Bubalus forage species (Khatri et al., 2010).23 respondents informed that invasive species were also key threat for the habitat and plants of Bubalus.”
Cites
Milton, K. (1979) · The American Naturalist · doi:10.1086/283485 · Cited by 533 · cited 2× · see citing works
“Herbivores such as Bubalus arnee face numerous challenges related to food resources and nutrition, including nutritionally imbalanced foods (Wehi et al., 2013; Nie et al., 2014), plant toxin and incompletely digestible fiber (Milton, 1979).”
BackgroundNie, Y., Zhang, Z., Raubenheimer, D., Elser, J. J., Wei, W., & Wei, F. (2014) · Functional Ecology · doi:10.1111/1365-2435.12302 · Cited by 175 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Herbivores such as Bubalus arnee face numerous challenges related to food resources and nutrition, including nutritionally imbalanced foods (Wehi et al., 2013; Nie et al., 2014), plant toxin and incompletely digestible fiber (Milton, 1979).”
BackgroundLarson, D. L., Anderson, P. J., & Newton, W. (2001) · Ecological Applications · doi:10.1890/1051-0761(2001)011[0128:apiimg]2.0.co;2 · Cited by 164 · see citing works
Chettri, N., Uddin, K., Chaudhary, S., & Sharma, E. (2013) · Diversity · doi:10.3390/d5020335 · Cited by 52 · see citing works
Koshi Tappu Wetlands: Nepal's Ramsar Site
Sah, J. P. (1997) · Medical Entomology and Zoology · Cited by 45 · see citing works
Controversial Mikania (Climber)-a Threat to the Forests and Agriculture
Choudhury, A. K. (1972) · Indian Forester · Cited by 40 · see citing works
Heinen, J. T. (1993) · Biological Conservation · doi:10.1016/0006-3207(93)90193-5 · Cited by 37
Aryal, A., Coogan, S. C. P., Ji, W., Rothman, J. M., & Raubenheimer, D. (2015) · Ecology and Evolution · doi:10.1002/ece3.1661 · Cited by 32 · see citing works
Balancing Wildlife and Human Needs: The Protected Forest Approach in Nepal
Shrestha, T. K., Aryal, A., Kumar, R., Lamsal, R. P., Koirala, S., Jnawali, D., Kafle, R., Bhandari, B. P., & Raubenheimer, D. (2014) · Natural Areas Journal · doi:10.3375/043.034.0313 · Cited by 25 · see citing works
Wehi, P. M., Raubenheimer, D., & Morgan‐Richards, M. (2013) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0084641 · Cited by 21 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Herbivores such as Bubalus arnee face numerous challenges related to food resources and nutrition, including nutritionally imbalanced foods (Wehi et al., 2013; Nie et al., 2014), plant toxin and incompletely digestible fiber (Milton, 1979).”
BackgroundHeinen, J. T., & Kandel, R. (2006) · Oryx · doi:10.1017/s0030605306000755 · Cited by 19
Biodiversity of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve: a post flood assessment
Khatri, T. B., Shah, D. N., Shah, R. D. T., & Mishra, N. (2011) · Journal of Wetlands Ecology · doi:10.3126/jowe.v4i0.3734 · Cited by 15 · see citing works
(2011) · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Cited by 11 · see citing works
Flagged first, then by citations
Research works printed but not linked: 2
- Heinen, J.T. 2002. Phenotypic and behavioral characteristics used to identify wild buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) from feral backcrosses in Nepal, Journal of Bombay Natural History Society, 99, (2): 173-183.
- Ngoti, P.M. 2017. Feeding ecology of eastern black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis michaeli) in souther Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. MS Thesis, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway.
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Priyono, D. S., Solihin, D. D., Farajallah, A., et al. (2024) · Evolutionary Systematics · doi:10.3897/evolsyst.8.132970 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
“1 to facilitate comparison, based on previous studies (Rozzi 2017, 2018; Shrestha et al. 2019).”
Distribution of wild water buffalo Bubalus arnee (Kerr, 1792) in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal
Bist, B. B., Adhikari, R. C., Dahal, S., et al. (2025) · Wild Animals · doi:10.31893/wild.2025003 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Bist, B. B., Adhikari, R. C., Dahal, S., et al. (2025) · Research Square · doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-7142386/v1
Bist, B. B., Adhikari, R. C., Dahal, S., et al. (2026) · Wild Animals · doi:10.31893/wild.2026003
“The collection of forest products, forest fires, shrinking habitats, hunting, and natural calamities are also major threats (Regmi & Chalise, 2019; Shrestha et al., 2018).”
- Venue
- International Journal of Research Studies in Zoology
- Publisher
- ARC Publications Pvt Ltd.
- Published
- 2019
- Volume
- 4
- Issue
- 3
- ISSN
- 2454-941X (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2912045873
- Cited by
- 5
- References
- 11
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 2 · 2024: 1 · 2019: 1
- FWCI
- 0.15
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- diamond
- doi.org
- Locations
- International Journal of Research Studies in Zoology (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- Idea Wild
- Topics
- Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Ecology › Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Ecology › Rangeland and Wildlife Management
- Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Global and Planetary Change › Conservation, Biodiversity, and Resource Management
- Keywords
- wild water buffalo, Bubalus arnee, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, forage crops, floods, invasive plants, forest fires, habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, endangered species conservation
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-11.
Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-11.
Cited sources are checked by gpt-6-sol.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
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