HABITAT UTILIZATION OF HIMALAYAN MUSK DEER (MOSCHUS CHRYSOGASTER) IN THE MUSK DEER NATIONAL PARK GURAIZ, AZAD JAMMU AND KASHMIR, PAKISTAN

ABSTRACT In Pakistan, Himalayan musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster) inhabits sub-alpine scrub, and mixed coniferous forestusually between 2785m and 4000m. We took 42 sample plots of size 10×10m for trees, 41 sample plots of 4×4m forshrubs and 42 of 1×1m for herb/grass layer to study the priority habitat of musk deer at different aspects between2785m-3420m elevation. Of total vegetation , trees, shrubs, and herbs/grasses contributed 40.47%, 17.35%, and 42.17%of relative frequency, respectively. Among trees, Betula utilis (IVI=53.29), Abies pindrow (IVI=49.63), Picea smithiana(IVI=33.61) and Taxus wallichiana (IVI=8.60) were dominant in the musk deer habitat. Major shrubs included Betulautilis, Viburnum grandiflorum, Rosa moschata, Rosa macrophylla and Lonicera spp. Herb/grass layer was dominated byPoa annua followed by Polygonum amplexicaule, Sambucus wightiana Viola spp., Ajuga parviflora, Saxifraga ciliataandPodophyllum emodi. The animal showed association with Betula utilis, Abies pindrow, Picea smithiana and Taxusbaccata along with the shrubs of Skimmia laureola, and Rosa moschata. Musk deer is listed as Endangered in Pakistan.Major threats to the population of Himalayan musk deer are habitat degradation due to deforestation and illicit livestockgrazing along with illegal hunting for musk pod collection.Key words. Musk Deer, Guraiz, Neelum valley, Habitat preference, Threats.