Insights into the Spatial Ecology of Sambar Deer (Cervus unicolor) in Bhutan’s Protected Area at Phrumsengla National Park: Habitat Preferences and Conservation Challenges

Sambar ( Cervus unicolor ) is considered an important prey species of Tiger and other carnivores throughout South and Southeast Asia. However, the ecological information on Sambar deer in Bhutan is scarce. Therefore, this study represents a pioneering effort to evaluate habitat preferences and assess the impacts of both natural and anthropogenic disturbances on Sambar occurrence within Phrumsengla National Park, a designated National Protected Area. The study area was stratified into three forest types and the standard line transect method was employed for data collection. A total of 90 plots were established, comprising 45 already used by Sambar and 45 control plots representing other available habitats. The study analysis revealed that Sambar highly preferred an elevation range of 2356 - 2680 masl with northeast-facing slopes of 0 - 15 ^o , preferred a canopy cover of 51 - 75%, a ground cover of 61 - 76%, distance to water sources of 101 - 200 m. The study also identified preferred vegetation types, with Sambar showing a marked association with tree species such as Taxus baccata and Betula utilis , shrub species like Sarcococca hookeriana , and herbaceous plants including Stellaria vestita . Furthermore, Sambar favored cool broadleaved forests over mixed conifer and fir forests. Livestock grazing was the prominent anthropogenic disturbance, followed by timber extraction, which had a strong negative correlation with significant difference ( p < .05). The findings underscore the necessity for stringent regulations regarding livestock grazing and resource extraction within protected areas. To build on this foundational study, long-term monitoring and further research are essential for developing targeted conservation strategies and interventions, ensuring the sustainability of this vital species and its habitat.