July 31, 2009
Tiger census
Despite the political upheaval, land encroachment, habitat loss, poaching and illegal trade, the population of tigers in Nepal has remained constant over a decade. The report of a tiger census released on Monday by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation shows there are 121 breeding tigers in the wild within the four protected areas: Chitwan National Park (91), Bardia National Park (18), Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve (8) and Parsa Wildlife Reserve (4).
An earlier census conducted in 2001 had shown the presence of 123 breeding tigers throughout Nepal.
The numbers of tiger has increased in Chitwan but decreased in Bardia and Shuklaphanta. A tiger survey conducted in Suklaphanta last year had also shown a drastic decline in the number of tigers.
"This is an encouraging figure," said Shanta Raj Gyawali of NTNC, "A slight variation in the number of tiger from the previous census was a result from the process and methodology adopted in this census."
This census is claimed to be the most scientific and reliable method of counting tiger. It was carried out using digital cameras placed along the jungle trails to capture the photographs of individual tigers. Then the images were analysed and individual tigers identified by their distinctive stripes. Besides, it also carried out Habitat Occupancy Survey inside and outside the protected areas to ascertain the number.
The decline of tiger populations has been attributed to poaching and illegal trade of tiger parts, habitat loss due to human intervention and decline of prey in the wild. "The transboundary relation with India needs to be strengthened further and all organisations should work together to conserve tigers," said Gopal Prasad Upadhyay, director general at DNPWC.
It was the first ever nationwide tiger census which was conducted in 14 Terai districts. The tigers have been found in 10 districts except Rautahat, Palpa, Kapilbastu and Dang. The census was jointly conducted by the DNPWC, Department of Forest, WWF Nepal and National Trust for Nature Conservation. A total of $330,000 was spent for the project which was funded by the Save The Tiger Fund, WWF-US, WWF-UK, WWF International and US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Meanwhile, another report made public on the same day showed the presence of about 300-400 snow leopards. The survey was conducted by WWF Nepal in collaboration with the DNPWC.
The snow leopards are listed as protected species by the National parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1973. It has been categorized as an endangered species by the IUCN and is protected under the CITES.
Snow leopards are found in protected areas from Kangchenjunga Conservation Area in the east to Shey Phoksundo National Park in the west. However, the country's largest known populations are believed to be in Dolpa, Mugu, Manang, Mustang, and Taplejung districts.
Source: Nepali times
July 31, 2009
Flight of Winged Friends
By Sharada Adhikari
Every living being, be it human, plant, animal or birds, is a part of the ecosystem. Survival of each component of the ecosystem is vital not only to maintain the balance of the ecosystem, but also for the survival of each other component.However, the human invasion in to the natural habitat of the others has wiped out some species of birds from the earth while some are on the verge of extinction.
Rich country’s rich capital
According to Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN) there are nearly 10,000 bird species in the world .Nepal, with its diverse landscapes, provides a suitable habitat for diverse bird species. According to BCN, Nepal houses nearly 874 species of bird (nine per cent of total bird species). Kathmandu Valley alone is home to 534 species of birds, including both residents and migrant birds. Shivapuri National Park, Phulchoki Mountain Forest, Bagmati Nature Park, Taudaha Lake, Bagmati river , Thankot, Godawari Botanical Garden, Suryavinayak ,Nagarjun Forest and Sundarijal are some bird habitats in and around Kathmandu.
Hill Patridge, Great Barbet, Kalij Pheasant, Golden Throated Barbet, Wood pecker, Barn Owl, Spiny Babbler, Oriental Cuckoo, Black Bulbul are among the species that are seen here. The valley is also habituated by around 18 globally threatened species namely Baikal Teal, Pink Headed Duck, Lesser Florican, Egyptian Vulture, Read Headed Vulture, Greater Spotted Eagle
and Kashmir Flycatcher, among others.
Bird paradise in threat
Despite being rich in bird species, incessant destruction and encroachment of the bird’s natural habitat have been threatening their survival. “Growing concrete jungle in Kathmandu, pollution and other human activities here have destroyed and disturbed their natural habitat,” commented orthnologist Harisaran Nepali Kazi.” Nepali who has been involved continuously in the research and collection of birds of Nepal since the last 50 years recalled,” Almost 20 years ago, all migratory wild ducks used to reach Ranipokhari once after they entered Kathmandu. But these days not a single bird can be spotted there.”
It is the increased density of population and houses that has forced these birds to stay away from this part of city.” How will birds come to a place where they don’t feel secure to stay even for a while? “he questioned. He even opposed the city noise and construction activities around bird’s habitat.” Such activities disturb them thus making them leave their habitat,” Nepali opined.
Food crisis
Vultures, which keep nature clean by feeding on carcass, are also one of the most affected species. These Predatory birds, which used to be seen on the riverbanks of Kathmandu, are no longer spotted anymore. “Vultures are on the verge of extinction mainly because of the usage of Diclofence, a medicine used in the treatment of animals. Vultures which feed on carcass of animals treated with this medicine die within few days,” said Nepali.
He has even declared Rs 500 reward to anyone who spots a vulture within the Kathmandu Valley. Even birds feeding on insects are facing similar threats. Use of chemical fertilizers in fields has killed frogs, fish and other insects on which some birds feed.” Water and land pollution also have long term negative impact on the health of birds,” stated Nepali.
Poaching
“Poaching of birds for medicinal values, for using them as decorative items, and even pets are also major threat to these beautiful creatures. Nepal serves as a transit point for illicit trade of birds. Not only are birds exported from Nepal, I have also heard instances of some restaurants over here serving rare birds,” claimed Vimal Thapa, Joint Secretary of BCN.
Ritu Gurung, Program Coordinator at Wildlife Conservation Nepal (WCN) informed, “Poaching of rare species of birds has increased in 2009 as compared to previous years.” WCN is helping to curb illicit bird trade with their investigation. They have been identifying poachers and also rare species of birds, which they hand over to the police to assists in curbing the illegal activities.
For birds
Different organizations are putting in their effort to conserve various species of birds. BCN has been conducting research plus other activities for conservation and protection of bird. It has been organizing bird watching program on the outskirts of the valley for interested people.” It’s our attempt to raise interest and awareness among people about birds so that they will contribute towards its conservation,” explained Deependra Joshi, Executive Officer at BCN.
This program is free of cost and anyone interested can participate. The government has also declared national parks as protection area for biodiversity and enlisted threatened and extinct bird species of Nepal. However, there is an absence of a government entity working solely for conservation of birds. Shiva Raj Bhatta, Management Officer at Department of National Parks said, “We do not have specialized researchers working only for birds. It is quite impossible to appoint researchers for each species.
But Orthinlogist Nepali begs to differ,” Most of the people including the government are focuses only in conserving animals. Those who have personal interest towards birds are the only ones working for birds. There is a need of authority to take initiation towards bird conservation. However, awareness to mass about significance of bird is also equally important.
“The sorry condition of the birds is an indication to all other creatures of nature. If we are unable to save these birds species from being extinct, we will also reach the point of extinction in the near future” he warned.
Source: The Himalayan Times
July 29, 2009
Nine rhinos poached
Nine rhinos have been killed in the last five months- one each in January, February and April, three in March and three in May. According to unpublished data received from Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, the rare animals were found dead in parts of Chitwan National Park and the vicinity.
Two rhinos died naturally in the period, bringing the total dead to 11. Dudhora Bhawanipur, Sailimaili Khola, Dhakaha and Dumariya are poaching hotspots.
Mean - while, no rhino death was recorded in Bardiya National Park in the period. There are 408 rhinos in CNP, 22 in Band five in Sukhlaphanta Wildlife Reserve.
Source: The Himalayan Times
July 28, 2009
Two more Conservation Sites on anvil
The Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation (MoFSC) conducted a final meeting to approve the two proposed sites of Gaurishankar and Api Nampa as conservation areas. Gaurishankar with an area of 2,179 square km is located in the Central Region. While, Apa Nampa, with an area of 1,903 square km is located in the Far- Western region.
Two teams of experts, after conducting initial studies of the areas, had made a recommendation to the ministry in this regard. The meeting finalised the two places to be declared as the conservation areas. Meanwhile, Minister for Forest and Soil Conservation Deepak Bohora expressed commitment to take the proposal to the cabinet as soon as possible.
Phanindra Kharel, coordinator of the team for the field study of Gaurishankar area, had clarified on why the proposed area should be declared as the conservation site. Similarly, Sher Sing Thagunna was the coordinator of the team for the study of Api Nampa Conservation area. He also said the consensus among the local people and their commitment were necessary for the propose conservation areas.
Source: The Himalayan Times
July 28, 2009
Chitwan tiger population up
After a long delay, Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation in coordination with the WWF and the National Trust for Nature Conservation released an estimated population of the endangered tigers and snow leopards of Nepal.
It said that there were a total 121 adult tigers spread over the four protected areas, with the highest number in the Chitwan National Park, with 91tigers. Bardia Nationa Park, Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve and Parsa Wildlife Reserve were estimated to have 18, eight and four tigers respectively. Similarly the estimated population of snow leopards is 300-400 in the Himalayan region. Organising a press conference in Chitwan’s Sauraha on Saturday, the department made public the statistics with the surging number of tigers.
According to camera trappings in the tiger census in 2000, it had been conjectured that there were around 60 adult tigers in Chitwan National Park. The tiger census was conducted for four months – from December 2008 to March 2009. Camera trapping and scouting footprints were the two major techniques to survey the number of tigers.
According to a separate press statement distributed to Journalist earlier, a total budget of Rs 25 million had been spend for the tiger census in 2009. There were 300 cameras placed in various parts of the conservation and park areas. Manpower of 9,480 workers, including 40 employees, 45 volunteers, 85 technicians from Nepal government, National Park, Wildlife Conservation Department, National Nature Conservation Fund and WWF were mobilized for the purpose.
Although the first ever nation wide estimation of the tiger population brought a positive ray of hope among conservationist, the result, they said, was for too speculative and created confusion about the adult population. The present estimation of the number of tigers through the recent census is also not conclusive as they are all based on speculation. Moreover, the census shows that number of tigers is increasing in Bardia and Shuklaphanta.
Meanwhile, the government has launched “ Tiger Conservation Action Plan 2008-2012”.A comprehensive management plan has been devised aiming to increase the population of tigers by 10 per cent within the first five years of its implementation.
The main reason for the decline of tiger population has been attributed to poaching and illegal trade. Rapid deforestation destroying the habitat of the tigers and the lack of hunting grounds for the tigers are also a major factor in the decrease in the number of tigers. Apart from these, sporadic cases of retaliatory killings in nearby settlements also are reducing the numbers.
Source: The Himalayan Times
