The Status of Nepal's Mammals: The National Red List Series - IUCN

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The most threatened group of mammals in Nepal are the ungulates, a group containing the Greater
One-horned Rhino, Asian Elephant, Himalayan Tahr and Wild Yak. Over half of all ungulate species in Nepal
are threatened and a further 7% Near Threatened. The ungulate group also contains the only species known
to be Regionally Extinct (Pygmy Hog) and two species considered ‘possibly Regionally Extinct’ (the Wild Yak
and Indian Chevrotain). Only 7% of ungulates are considered Least Concern and 25% are Data Deficient
(Figure 5). The species in this category make up the main prey-base for many carnivores and its depletion is
considered a major threat to their survival.
Figure 5: Status of
ungulate species in
Nepal.
25.0%
7.1%
7.1%
17.9%
25.0%
3.6%
14.3%
Primates are currently considered the least threatened group of mammals in Nepal. Due to the religious
significance of monkeys in the Hindu religion which is prominent in Nepal, primates may benefit from a level
of social protection through their association with the Hindu God Hanuman. They are also a highly versatile
group of species and can live easily around human settlements. The Assam macaque is categorized as the
only threatened primate species in Nepal with 60% considered Least Concern (Figure 6).
Figure 6: Status of
primate species in
Nepal.
60%
20%
20%
RE
CR
EN
VU
NT
LC
DD
VU
LC
DD