First camera-trap records of Dhole <Cuon alpinus> (Pallas, 1811) (Mammalia: Canidae) and Spotted Linsang <Prionodon pardicolor> (Hodgson, 1841) (Mammalia: Carnivora: Prionodontidae) in Makalu Barun National Park, Nepal

The Dhole Cuon alpinus and Spotted Linsang Prionodon pardicolor are two elusive carnivores inhabiting the forests of South and Southeast Asia. Despite their ecological roles and conservation significance, both species remain under-researched, particularly in Nepal. From 2019 to 2024, a biodiversity survey using 10 camera traps over 5,508 camera-days in the Barun Valley of Makalu Barun National Park provided the first photographic evidence of both species in the park. Solitary Dholes were recorded at two stations on three independent events in the lower subalpine zones. Spotted Linsangs were captured at four stations on 12 independent events in the sub-tropical and temperate zones. The relative abundance of the Spotted Linsang suggests Barun Valley may hold global significance for this species. These findings highlight the importance of Barun Valley as a critical habitat for rare mammals and highlight the need for systematic surveys to understand their distribution, threats, and conservation needs.