Forestry

Wetlands cover 5% area of Nepal. There are many natural and artificial wetlands in Nepal. Out of them, Jagadishpur is the largest artificial lake and important wetland, located in Kapilvastu district. Despite the high potential for tourism development and close proximity to the Lumbini World Heritage site, this lake is less known to national and international visitors. Thus, this study was carried out to assess the possibilities of eco-tourism around this lake. Household survey, key informant survey and focus group discussion were carried out to know the people's perception, issues and challenges for tourism development. Collected data were analyzed qualitatively. Jagadishpur along with the other nearby historical places like Sagarhawa, Tilaurakot, Gotihaw, Niglihawa, etc. have a high potential for eco-tourism development. Bird watching was found to be most feasible, followed by the Jeep Safari and boating. Other ecotourism activities like Tharu culture, homestay can also be developed. However, poor tourism infrastructure development, marketing capacity of local people on visitor management, etc. have been addressed as the issues in the study area. However, people and stakeholders are willing to sort out this problem and willing to involve in ecotourism activities. It is recommended that awareness programs by providing various skill development programs and workshops related to tourism, the information center and involvement of the private sector in the promotion of ecotourism in and around the site.

Great hornbill (Buceros bicornis) which belongs to Bucerotidae family is a big bird found in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It is recorded as Endangered in Red data book of Nepal, Vulnerable in IUCN Red list, Appendix I of CITIES and protected species in NPWC Act 1973. It requires large and dense forest for feeding, roosting and nesting. Principally, the species is frugivorous, often an opportunist and prey on reptiles, small mammalian and avian species. In Nepal, it is distributed in the pocket areas of Chitwan, Bardia, Parsa districts and occasionally in Shuklaphanta National Park and patchily distributed outside protected areas. Despite being ecologically important species and severely threatened, the species is poorly studied and documented in Nepal. Thus, this paper aimed to review different published secondary sources to explore the conservation evidences of Great hornbill in Nepal. Numbers of papers are utilized to filter the results and interpret the information...

Barking deer is found in dense tropical and subtropical forests of Asia. It is listed as “least concerned” by the International Union of Conservation of Nature and as “vulnerable” in Nepal, where it is also protected. Due to the habitat loss and fragmentation by human activities, barking deer abundance is decreasing, which may even ultimately lead to its extinction. This in turn might negatively affect local ecosystem such as the abundance of the endangered common leopard, for which barking deer is the main prey species in the mid-hills of Nepal. We therefore need to know factors affecting barking deer abundance and its habitat preferences. To determine these factors, we recorded barking deer either by direct sighting or by any evidence of its indirect presence observed through transect surveys in January and February, 2019. To analyze habitat preference, the presence of barking deer was set to 1 if the barking deer or any sign of its presence were observed “used plots,” or to 0 if ...

Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs), a principal sub-component of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), are undoubtedly an important source of revenue and rural employment. This review paper explores the current ecological and prioritized status of MAPs by the Government and the practical significance of MAPs in bodily health, lucrative employment to the Nepalese population, and revenue opportunities to the government based on 72 published articles from 1995 to 2021. The Department of Plant Resources (DPR) reported that the number of medicinal plant species has increased from 701 in 2007 to 819 in 2016 with 285 endemic plant species from 43 families, and 238 chemically tested MAPs species for medicinal significance. MAPs are highly prevalent within the 1000-2500m elevation gradient in Nepal. GoN has categorized 30 species for economic development, 12 species for cultivation and research, 12 species for protection, and 237 species for collecting royalties. Around 100 Nepalese NTFPs/MA...

Nepal is a country blessed with diverse wildlife, and among its most fascinating inhabitants is the wild wolf (Canis lupus). This remarkable species plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of Nepal's landscapes. In this article, we will delve into the characteristics of the wild wolf, its habitat, and the importance of effective habitat management for its conservation. Description of the Wild Wolf: The wild wolf, also known as the Himalayan wolf or Tibetan wolf, is a subspecies of the gray wolf native to the Himalayan region, including parts of Nepal. It possesses distinct physical features adapted to survive in the harsh mountainous environments. The Himalayan wolf has a thick, multi-layered coat that helps it endure cold temperatures, while its robust build and strong jaws allow it to tackle prey in the challenging terrain. Habitat of the Wild Wolf: The wild wolf's habitat primarily consists of the alpine and subalpine regions of Nepal, including areas above the tree line. These rugged landscapes provide the perfect setting for the wolves to roam, hunt, and establish their territories. They are often found in remote, sparsely populated areas such as the highlands of the Annapurna and Langtang regions. Habitat Management for Conservation: Effective habitat management is vital for the conservation of the wild wolf and its ecosystem. Here are key aspects of habitat management: * Protection of Natural Landscapes: Preserving large, intact habitats with minimal human disturbance is crucial. This involves designating protected areas, national parks, and conservation corridors where the wild wolf can thrive undisturbed. * Prey Base Management: Ensuring an adequate prey base is essential for the survival of the wild wolf. Conservation efforts should focus on safeguarding populations of prey species such as blue sheep (bharal), musk deer, and Himalayan tahr through anti-poaching measures and sustainable wildlife management practices. * Livestock Management and Coexistence: Wild wolves occasionally prey on livestock, leading to conflicts with local communities. Implementing measures such as improved livestock husbandry practices, predator-proof enclosures, and