Biodiversity Resource Inventory Ecosystem Assessment of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC, Kaski An Ecosystem-based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystem in Nepal supported by: INTERNATIONAL UNION Nepal Country Office Kupondole, Lalitpur P.O.Box 3923, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: +977 1 5528781 Fax: +977 1 5536786 Email: [email protected]www.iucn.org/nepal FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURE
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Biodiversity Resource InventoryEcosystem Assessment of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC, Kaski
An Ecosystem-based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystem in Nepal
The designation of geographical entities in this book, and the presentation of the material, do not imply the expressionof any opinion whatsoever on the part of IUCN concerning the legal status of any country, territory, or area, or of itsauthorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.
The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of IUCN.
Published by: IUCN Nepal, Kupondole, Lalitpur, Nepal
Edited by: Amit Poudyal & Anu Adhikari, IUCN Nepal
Designed by: Naresh Subba (Limbu) & Amit Poudyal, IUCN Nepal
Reproduction of this publication for educational or other non-commercial purposes is authorized without priorwritten permission from the copyright holder provided the source is fully acknowledged.Reproduction of this publication for resale or other commercial purposes is prohibited without prior written permissionof the copyright holder.
This Report has been published under ‘Ecosystem-based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosyestem’ Project, jointly
implemented by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), United Nations Development Programme
(UNDP) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) with financial support from Germany’s Federal
Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU).
supported by:
Research Team:Bhuvan Keshar Sharma (Team leader/Ecosystem and Biodiversity)Kiran Timalsina (Natural Resources Management)Roshani Rai & Surya Kumar Maharjan (Forestry)Anish Joshi & Biplob Rakhal (GIS /Database)
Technical Advisor Team of IUCN Nepal:Anu AdhikariRajendra KhanalRacchya ShahSony BaralDr. Yam Malla
Biodiversity Resource InventoryEcosystem Assessment of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC, Kaski
An Ecosystem-based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystem in Nepal
Biodiversity Resource InventoryEcosystem Assessment of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC, Kaski
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This report provides the findings of biodiversity resource inventory of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC ofKaski district of Western Nepal. IUCN Nepal is grateful to Green Governance Nepal (GGN) forconducting the study and support to prepare the report in this form. Bhuvan Keshar Sharma,ecosystem and biodiversity specialist and also a Team Leader for this study deserves specialappreciation.
We would also like to appreciate the contribution of other team members. Kiran Timalsina (NaturalResources Management), Roshani Rai and Surya Kumar Maharjan (Forestry), Anish Joshiand Biplob Rakhal (GIS and Database) are also sincerely acknowledged. Special thanks goesto field enumerators, local resource persons and the technical experts: Asha Paudel, PratimaBhandari, Anita Dandakhiya, Shiva Acchami, Him Lal Subedi and Kim Raj Paudel, withoutthem this endeavour would not have been successful.
The residents of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC, Kaski are highly appreciated for their supports to carryout the field study. We are also indebted to those government and non-government organizationsand individuals, who spent their precious time during consultations, discussions, meetings andfield observations.
Last but not least we would like to express our gratitude to all individuals who helped us in one wayor another.
July, 2013
I
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) Project is being piloted in Nepal, Peru and Ugandawith funding from German Government, Federal Ministry for the Environment, NatureConservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) through its International Climate Initiative and is jointlyimplemented by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the United NationsEnvironmental Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).In Nepal, the Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation (MoFSC) is the implementing agency atthe national level in partnership with UNDP, IUCN and UNEP while the Ministry of Science,Technology and Environment (MoSTE) plays an overall coordinating role. The pilot site for thisproject is the Panchase area, belonging to Kaski, Parbat and Syangja districts.
The area is rich in biodiversity and is a paradise for orchids. In current decades, the area, notdifferent from other parts of the country, is being affected by climate change. It is prerequisite toknow the status for implementation of EbA activities and to assess the impacts of climate changeon biodiversity of the area. Hence, this study is conducted to know the baseline of biodiversity indifferent ecosystems, particularly forest, agriculture land and wetland in Bhadaure Tamagi VDCof Kaski district.
Inventory guidelines developed by MoFSC and participatory NTFP inventory guidelines developedby ANSAB were extensively followed in this study. Counting and measuring of flora and fauna inthe VDC was done by laying composite plots on the ground. In addition, Focus Group Discussions(FGD), Key Informant Interviews (KII), household surveys, and transect walks were also doneto collect the required data.
The study found that the area is dominated by broad-leaved species with rich epiphytes, fernsand mosses. Among broad-leaved species, chilaune (Schima wallichii), katus (Castanopsisindica) and rakchan (Daphniphyllum himalense) are the most dominant species. Among differentforest types, chilaune-katus forest supports high biodiversity and utis (Alnus nepalensis) forestsupports low diversity. However, the regeneration status is opposite to biodiversity in such typesof forests. The VDC consist of 263 floral species and 32 faunal species. Among ecosystemtypes, forest hosts highest floral and faunal biodiversity. In addition, forest consists of five endemic,two protected and one invasive species. The study has also found the existence of one ofCITES Appendix II species, Cyathea spinulosa Wall. ex Hook. in the VDC. Likewise, diversity ofareal species is high in the forest and vice versa in agriculture. The study also confirmed theexistence of big mammals, such as brown bear, leopard and deer on the basis of their droppingscattered throughout the VDC.
Despite of being rich in biodiversity the VDC also has several management issues in conservingit. Open grazing, ongoing road construction, forest fire, poaching, and illegal logging are someof the issues that are seriously threatening the biodiversity of the area. Some cases of human-wildlife conflict such as crop raiding by monkeys and wild hares were also found during thestudy. Similarly, some cases of leopard attack were also recorded. The study concludes that thechange in social dimension mainly out-migration has positive impacts on biodiversity. This studyhas recommended for involvement of local communities in biodiversity conservation through,eco-tourism, cultural tourism, promotion of forest-based enterprises and promotion of organicagriculture.
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ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
ANSAB Asia Network for Sustainable Agriculture and Bioresources
BA Basal Area
BMU Ministry for the Environment, Nature conservation and Nuclear Safety
CB Community Based
CBD Convention on Biological Diversity
CBNRM Community Based Natural Resource Management
CBO Community Based Organization
CBS Central Bureau of Statistics
CC Climate Change
CF Community Forest
CFUG Community Forest Users' Group
CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature
IVI Importance Value Index
KII Key Informant Interview
LPG Liquid Petrolium Gas
LRMP Land Resource Mapping Project
MAPs Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
MDO Machhapuchhre Development Organisation
MEA Millennium Ecosystem Assessment
MoFSC Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation
MoSTE Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment
NTFPs Non Timber Forest Products
NWP National Wetland Policy
PA Protected Area
PCBUS Panchase Chhetra Bikash Upabhokta Samiti
PDDP Participatory District Development Programme
PES Payment for Ecosystem Services
RC Relative Coverage
V
RD Relative Density
Rdo Relative Dominance
RF Rakchan Frequency
RP Resource Person
RS Remote Sensing
RUPP Rural Urban Partnership Program
SNPP Shree Nepal Panchadham Panchase
UNDP United Nations Development Programme
UNEP United Nations Environmental Programme
VDC Village Development Committee
WL Wildlife
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .......................................................................................................... IEXECUTIVE SUMMARY .......................................................................................................... IIIACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS........................................................................................... V
1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................... 11.1. Background .................................................................................... 11.2. Rationale of the Study .................................................................................... 11.3. Objective of the Study .................................................................................... 21.4. Management of the Study .................................................................................... 21.5. Limitations of the Study .................................................................................... 21.6. Organisation of the Report .................................................................................... 31.7. Target Users .................................................................................... 31.8. Glossary of Key Terms .................................................................................... 3
2. STUDY AREA : AN OVERVIEW .................................................................................... 42.1. Study Area - Panchase .................................................................................... 42.2. Study Site - Bhadaure Tamagi VDC .................................................................................... 42.3. Socio-economy .................................................................................... 52.4. Geology and Topography .................................................................................... 62.5. Altitude .................................................................................... 62.6. Slope and Aspect .................................................................................... 72.7. Climate .................................................................................... 72.8. Soil Type and Soil Fertility .................................................................................. 10
3. APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY .................................................................................. 123.1. Study Design and Methodology .................................................................................. 123.2. Sampling Design for Participatory Forest Resource Inventory ......................................... 13
3.2.1. Size and shape of sample plots ............................................................................... 133.3. Field Arrangement .................................................................................. 14
3.3.1. Arrangement of field equipment and data collection formats .................................. 143.3.2. Formation of multidisplinary team ........................................................................... 143.3.3. Orientation to the field technicians .......................................................................... 143.3.4. Field demonstration to the field technicians ............................................................ 14
3.4. Field Inventory .................................................................................. 143.4.1. Field measurement .................................................................................. 143.4.2. Focus Group Discussion (FGD) .............................................................................. 143.4.3. Key Informant Interview (KII) .................................................................................. 153.4.4. Field observation and transect walk ........................................................................ 153.4.5. Secondary data collection ..................................................................................15
3.5. Geographical Information System (GIS) Mapping............................................................. 153.5.1. Datasets used .................................................................................. 153.5.2. Mapping of Ecosystem types .................................................................................. 163.5.3. Mapping of biodiversity .................................................................................. 173.5.4. Mapping of services and institutes .......................................................................... 173.5.5. Development of GIS database ................................................................................ 17
3.6. Data Entry and Processing .................................................................................. 193.6.1. Quantitative analysis .................................................................................. 193.6.2. Qualitative analysis .................................................................................. 20
4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS .................................................................................. 214.1. Ecosystem Types .................................................................................. 21
4.1.1. Forest Ecosystem .................................................................................. 224.1.2. Agriculture Ecosystem .................................................................................. 254.1.3. Water bodies (wetland) Ecosystem ......................................................................... 254.1.4. Pasture/grazing land .................................................................................. 26
ANNEXURES .................................................................................. 41Annex 1: Glossary of Key Terms .................................................................................. 41Annex 2: Tally Sheet Used for Forest Resource Inventory .................................................... 46Annex 3: Checklist Used for Agriculture Resource Information Collection ............................ 47Annex 4: Checklist Used for Faunal Resource Information Collection .................................. 48Annex 5: Checklist Used for Anthropogenic Pressure and Natural Hazard Related
Information Collection .................................................................................. 49Annex 6: List of Sample Point Covered as Universe for Forest Resource Inventory ............ 50Annex 7: List of Participants of FGDs and Key Informants .................................................... 52Annex 8: Wardwise Major Ecosystems (Area in ha) .............................................................. 55Annex 9: IVI of Canopy Layer Species .................................................................................. 56Annex 10: Vegetation Type by Ward .................................................................................. 57Annex 11: Seedling and Sapling Density by Vegetation Type.................................................. 58Annex 12: Species Wise Density of Poles and Trees............................................................... 60Annex 13: Species Wise Growing Stock of Poles and Trees ................................................... 62Annex 14: Cultivation Type by Ward .................................................................................. 64Annex 15: Tree Species Found in Forest Ecosystem of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC .................... 65Annex 16: Non-tree Species Found in Forest Ecosystem of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC ............. 67Annex 17: Flora found in agriculture ecosystem of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC ............................ 72Annex 18: Flora Found in Wetland Ecosystem of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC .............................. 75Annex 19: Wild Fauna Found in Bhadaure Tamagi VDC ......................................................... 76Annex 20: Domesticated Fauna Found in Bhadaure Tamagi VDC .......................................... 77Annex 21: Wetland Fauna Found in Bhadaure Tamagi VDC ................................................... 78Annex 22: Endemic Species Found in Bhadaure Tamagi VDC ............................................... 79Annex 23: Protected Species Found in Bhadaure Tamagi VDC .............................................. 80Annex 24: NTFP Species Found in Bhadaure Tamagi VDC .................................................... 81Annex 24: Grassland in Bhadaure Tamagi by ward ................................................................. 87
LIST OF TABLESTable 1: Population distribution in Bhadaure Tamagi VDC ................................................. 5Table 2: Methods used for information collection .............................................................. 12Table 3: Datasets used for the study ................................................................................. 16Table 4: List of GIS Datasets Developed .......................................................................... 18Table 5: GIS Standards Adopted ....................................................................................... 18Table 6: Major ecosystem of Bhadaure Tamagi ................................................................ 21Table 7: Major Vegetation Types ....................................................................................... 23Table 8: Vegetation types by altitude................................................................................. 23Table 9: Species Composition by Vegetation Type ........................................................... 23Table 10: Seedling and Sapling Density by vegetation type ............................................... 24Table 11: Density of Poles and Trees ................................................................................ 25Table 12: Growing Stock of Poles and Trees ...................................................................... 24Table 13: Major Cultivation Types ....................................................................................... 26Table 14: Species Richness of Ecosystems by Taxa ......................................................... 28Table 15: Number of Floral Species found in Bhadure Tamagi by Life Form ..................... 29Table 16: Types of Vegetable found in the Study VDC ....................................................... 29Table 17: Ecological Status of Floral Species ..................................................................... 29Table 18: Fauna in the Forest and Agriculture Ecosystem ................................................. 31Table 19: Status of faunal species....................................................................................... 31
LIST OF FIGURESFigure 1: Map showing the location of study area ...............................................................5Figure 2: Settlement in Bhadaure Tamagi VDC ...................................................................5Figure 3: Geological map of Bhadaure Tamagi ....................................................................6Figure 4: Altitude map of Bhadaure Tamagi .........................................................................6Figure 5: Slope map of Bhadaure Tamagi ...........................................................................7Figure 6: Aspect map of Bhadaure Tamagi ..........................................................................7Figure 7: Annual average precipitation (1985-2010) ...........................................................7Figure 8: Seasonal precipitation trend (1985-2010) ............................................................8Figure 9: Seasonal precipitation patterns (1985-2010) ........................................................8Figure 10: Average annual temperature (Minimum) ..............................................................9Figure 11: Mean winter rainfall (Source Bioclim, 2010) .........................................................9Figure 12: Average annual maximum and minimum temperatures (1981-2011) ................10Figure 13: Soil map of Bhadaure Tamagi .............................................................................10Figure 14: Study framework .................................................................................................12Figure 15: Layout of sample points for resource inventory ..................................................13Figure 16: Diagrammatic representation of concentric circular plots...................................13Figure 17: Participants of focus group discussion ...............................................................15Figure 18: Key informants during key informant interview ...................................................15Figure 19: Ortho-rectified RapidEye Image of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC ...............................21Figure 20: Ecosystem map of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC (Rapid Eye Image analysis) ...........22Figure 21: Epiphytic fern ......................................................................................................22Figure 22: Major vegetation type ..........................................................................................22Figure 23: Major cultivation types in Bhadaure Tamagi .......................................................26Figure 24: Level Terraces seen in Bhadaure Tamagi ..........................................................26Figure 25: Water bodies of Bhaudare Tamagi VDC .............................................................27Figure 26: Water bodies in Study VDC a) Harpan Khola b) Ponds used by buffalo ............27Figure 27: Grassland/grazing patches seen in Bhadaure Tamagi .......................................26Figure 28: Chhatre (Tree fern, Cyathea spinulosa Wall. ex Hook.) .....................................28Figure 29: Scats of Wild Animal ...........................................................................................31Figure 30: Vultures seen flying over the sky of Bhadaure Tamagi (left); Tiktike (right) .......31Figure 31: Bird hotspots in Bhaduare Tamagi ......................................................................32Figure 32: Wildlife hotspots in Bhaduare Tamagi .................................................................32Figure 33: Plant hotspots in Bhadaure Tamagi ....................................................................32Figure 34: Landslide triggered by on-going road construction ............................................33Figure 35: Vulture roosting in a Lapsi tree ...........................................................................36Figure 36: Jalkumbi invasion in a pond in Chainpur, Bhadaure Tamagi VDC .....................37
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Biodiversity Resource Inventory: Ecosystem Assessment of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC, Kaski
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background
The Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) Project for mountain ecosystems in Nepal, Peru andUganda aims to strengthen the capacities of these three countries, which are particularlyvulnerable to climate change impacts in Ecosystem-based Adaptation approaches. The projecttargets to strengthen ecosystem resilience of these countries and reduce vulnerability of localcommunities with particular emphasis on mountain ecosystems.
The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of the Environment, Nature Conservation andNuclear Safety (BMU), Germany through its International Climate Initiative, and is jointlyimplemented by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), the United NationsEnvironmental Programme (UNEP), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
In Nepal, the Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation (MoFSC) is the implementing agency atthe national level in partnership with UNDP, IUCN and UNEP, while the Ministry of Science,Technology and Environment (MoSTE) plays an overall coordinating role. The pilot site for thisproject is the Panchase area belonging to Kaski, Parbat and Syangja districts. The area isvulnerable to climate change, with negative impacts on water resources, agriculture andbiodiversity. The project is designed on the premise that social and human adaptation is bestachieved by ensuring the continued provision of ecosystem services and enhancing humancapacity to address current challenges and future uncertainties, especially in contexts such asthe mountains of Nepal where communities are still significantly dependent on ecosystem servicesfor their primary livelihoods. The project has four major components: (i) the development ofmethodology and tools for mountain ecosystems; (ii) the application of the above tools andmethodology at the national level; (iii) the implementation of EbA pilots at the ecosystem level;and (iv) the formulation of national policies and building an economic case for EbA at the nationallevel.
Half of the area of Panchase was declared as a protected forest from MoFSC. It has been thefocus of national, regional and local development considering its high natural resource significanceas well as its potential for eco-tourism. It is considered to be a hotspot biodiversity. The areacontains various types of ecosystems - wetland, forest, agriculture and grassland, and 107types of orchids. Furthermore, Bhaudare Tamagi, the largest VDC of the Panchase area,represents all four types of ecosystems in this area. In this context, this assessment tried toassess the detailed biodiversity resources of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC.
1.2. Rationale of the Study
Ecosystem-based Adaptation is a new concept. In order to understand the function of ecosystems,their composition needs to be assessed. As each flora and fauna has a specific and importantrole in maintaining ecosystems, this study was conducted to gain an overall impression ofbiodiversity composition. It also assessed different ecosystems with particularly focus onbiodiversity, landscape management and climate change adaptation as well as the functions ofthe various ecosystems within the VDC. The major aim of this study was to assess the overallecosystem status of the VDC so that it will help visualize VDC conditions as well as identify sitespecific management options. The inventory is expected to produce baseline status of the existingbiodiversity scenario of the VDC and to know the status of various ecosystems. Moreover, it willsupport for further monitoring of the sites and to know the changes in the status of the ecosystem.It was, therefore, necessary to establish base-line values for different indicators mentioned inmonitoring and evaluation matrix of the programme. This study also provides insights intointerrelation between the programme's target groups and different ecosystems.
Biodiversity Resource Inventory: Ecosystem Assessment of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC, Kaski
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1.3. Objective of the Study
The overall objective of the study were to undertake a comprehensive biodiversity resourceinventory of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC of the Panchase Area with clear mapping of all importantecosystems, including forest, agriculture, wetland and water body. Specific objectives were to:
a. carry out a detailed taxonomic inventory of biodiversity (both flora and fauna) resourcesand identify their conservation status (in terms of rarity, endemism, invasive nature andso forth);
b. analyse the vulnerability of identified endemic and threatened biodiversity with respectto climate change and human induced threats;
c. provide site specific management options to help in the mitigation of threats/pressureassociated with identified threatened species;
d. identify bio-indicators for further long-term monitoring and assessment of a local- levelimpact of climate change; and
e. prepare geo-morphological GIS maps showing the study area's land-use pattern,vegetation, climatic condition and species habitat.
1.4. Management of the Study
The study was successfully accomplished in close coordination and collaboration with GreenGovernance Nepal (GGN), the implementing agency for the study, and IUCN, the funding agency.Rajendra Khanal of IUCN was responsible for overall coordination of the study. Similarly, AnuAdhikari and Sony Baral of IUCN were assigned as the main focal persons and were responsiblefor coordination and communication with relevant stakeholders, monitoring of the study andproviding required backstopping support to the study team. The focal persons and other teammembers of IUCN provided invaluable inputs in finalising methodology and implementing thestudy. They also provided inputs on the report.
From GGN's side, a multi-disciplinary team of 12 professionals was involved to accomplish thestudy (for details of the study team, see Project Team section). To make a common understandingamong the study team members and the field researchers about the study and to familiarise thefield researchers and locally hired resource persons with the process of information collectionand checklists, a three-day orientation was organised in Pokhara prior to field work. This ensuredefficient data collection in the field.
1.5. Limitations of the Study
The timing of the study was observed as a major constraint of the study. The non-floweringseason made identification of plant species difficult, especially orchid species. The winter season,a time for the hibernation of the majority of cold blooded fauna, could be one of the reasons forabsent or limited sighting of aquatic and terrestrial fauna in the field.
Ecological sampling was limited only to the forest, and no ecological sampling was carried outfor agriculture and wetlands due to seasonal differences. Furthermore, the sampling was intendedfor plant species which could not cover animal species. Data and statistics on agriculture, waterbodies and fauna were based mainly on field observation, transect walk, focus group discussion,key-informant interview and secondary sources. The study does not cover the diversity ofmicrobes in the area. As December is the off season to grow agricultural crops, interactions onagriculture growing patterns and their main outcomes could not be indicated in the study time.
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Biodiversity Resource Inventory: Ecosystem Assessment of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC, Kaski
1.6. Organisation of the Report
Chapter 1 covers the background, rationale, objectives, limitations and target users of the study.Chapter 2 gives an overview of the study area in terms of physiography, socio-economic situation,geology and environmental situation of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC and of the whole district.Chapter 3 provides details on approaches and methodology, including study design, methodology,sampling design for participatory forest resource inventory, field arrangement and field inventory.Chapter 4 contains results obtained from the field data and secondary information of the studyarea whereas discussion provides the scenario of the study findings. Chapter 5 includesecological, social, bioindicators and ecosystemwise management option. Chapter 6 concludesthe study and recommends some management options for implementation.
1.7. Target Users
The primary target users of this report are IUCN, EbA Project team and partner organisationsworking directly or indirectly in the Panchase area. The report is also targeted for researchers,academicians, local communities, the government and non-governmental organisations in Kaski,Syangja and Parbat districts, and development partners working closely with the Ministry ofForests and Soil Conservation, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment, the Ministryof Agriculture Development and their respective departments.
1.8. Glossary of Key Terms
Major technical terms used in this report are described in Annex 1.
Biodiversity Resource Inventory: Ecosystem Assessment of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC, Kaski
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2. STUDY AREA : AN OVERVIEW
2.1. Study Area - Panchase
The Panchase area is situated at the junction of three districts - Kaski, Parbat and Syangja. It issituated in the mid-hills of Nepal, west of Pokhara, at longitudes between 830 45' and 830 57' Eand at latitudes between 280 12' and 280 18' N. This region is densely populated by subsistencefarmers, and livestock rearing is an integral part of their livelihood. Altitude ranges from 815 m atHarpan River to 2517 m at the peak of Panchase hill whereas the forest ranges from 1450 m tothe peak and receives more than 5000 mm precipitation per year.
The Panchase hill is the origin of many rivers and tributaries supplying water to the lowlandvillages and a primary source for Phewa Lake. The lower limit of Panchase is enriched byflooded rivers and agricultural lands. Varieties of terrain types and climatic variations rangingfrom upper tropical to moist temperate has allowed Panchase to give rise to a great diversity ofecosystems and species. Hill sal forest, pine forest, schima-castanopsis forest, and oak forestare the major types of forests in the Panchase area. At present, 68.69 percent of the forest isprotected forest and the rest is community forest (Aryal and Dhungel, 2009).
Panchase is a rich area in biodiversity (Koirala 1998), possessing a total of 310 plants, out ofwhich about 100 species are NTFPs and 113 orchids. The Panchase area holds immensepotential for establishing micro-enterprises based on several NTFPs like lokta (Daphne bholuwa),mollah (Viburnum mullaha), allo (Girardinea diversifolia), nigalo (Arundinaria species) that arefound in a good number. Lokta can be used for making Nepali paper, allo for weaving cloth,nigalo for making bamboo products, and mollah for extracting good valued juice with a sweetish-sour taste.
Common fodder trees in the Panchase area are pakhuri (Ficus glaberrima), dudhilo (Ficusnerifolia), nebaro (Ficus roxburghii), kabhro (Ficus lacoor), khanyu (Ficus semicordata), gogan(Sasaurrea napaulensis), badahar (Artocarpus lakoocha), bedulo (Streblus asper) and others.Tejpat (Cinnamomum tamala), sugandhkokila (Cinnamomum glaucescens), amriso (Thysolaenamaxima), chiraito (Swertia chirayita), timur (Zanthoxylum armatum), lapsi (Choerospondiasaxillaris), kurilo (Asparagus racemosus) etc. are common NTFPs of the area. Besides these,chiraito (Swertia chirayita), satuwa (Paris polyphylla) and kurilo (Asparagus racemosus) areimportant medicinal plants with high market value.
The ethnic composition of the area constitutes Brahmin, Chhetri, Gurung, Bishwokarma, Nepali,Pariyar, Magar and Thakali, where Gurung communities inhabit at higher elevations and Brahminsand Chhetris at lower elevations. Of these, Gurungs and Magars are indigenous to the area,and Bishwokarma, Nepali and Pariyar are disadvantaged groups. Approximately 40,000 peoplelive in and around the Panchase area sustaining their livelihood by utilizing resources andproducts (fodder, firewood, timber, edible, medicinal plants, etc.) of the same area (Bhattarai etal. 2012).
2.2. Study Site - Bhadaure Tamagi VDC
Of the 17 VDCs in the Panchase Protected Area, Bhadaure Tamagi is the one of the largestVDCs. It extends to an area of 2504.26 ha and is inhabited primarly by Gurungs. Similar to otherareas and Panchase in general, Gurungs and other ethnic groups have inhabited upper elevationareas while Brahmins and Chhetris lower elevation areas. The VDC stretches at latitudes between28o12'35" and 28o16'34" and at longitudes between 83o48'14" and 83o52'52" (Figure 1). TheVDC has a consistent bioclimate (upper tropical to moist temperate) as Panchase has (UNDP/MDO, 2006) and annual precipitation is 3355 mm. The major part of the Panchase forest lies in
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Biodiversity Resource Inventory: Ecosystem Assessment of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC, Kaski
Bhadaure Tamagi. 76 percent of the VDC iscovered by forest. The altitude of the VDC variesfrom 815 m to 2484 m. The lower and middleparts of the VDC are dominated by chilaune-katus forest while the upper part is dominatedby rakchan forest. The major part of the forest isnorth, east or north-east facing and thus thereare plenty of possibilities for NTFPs and MAPs.Chhatre (tree fern, Cyathea spinulosa), whichfalls under the CITES Appendix II, is abundantabove Kutbidada to Sidhane and aroundHarpankot of Bhadaure Tamagi in the gulley.However, local inhabitants use tender parts tomake pickles so the population of tree ferns is indecline.
2.3. Socio-economy
Approximately 40,000 people live in thePanchase area (there are 17 VDCs in this). Theydepend on forests for their livelihood (fodder,forage, fuelwood, timber, edible and medicinalplants). Out of this population, 3,286 (1,487 aremales and 1,799 are females) individuals live inBahdaure Tamagi VDC. There are 878households in the VDC, with an average of fourmembers per household (Figure 2 and Table 1).
Information on literacy, income source,occupation, caste and ethnic composition ofBhadaure Tamagi VDC was collected during thefield work. However, the overall information onall these demographic situations is not verydifferent than that of the overall rate of the district.According to the census of 2011, the literacy rateof Kaski district is 82.4 percent. Similarly, 52percent of the population is involved inagriculture, and 11 and 9 percent of thepopulation actively participate in industrial andbusiness sectors respectively. The lower areaof the VDC is densely populated by subsistencefarmers, and livestock rearing is an integral partof their livelihood (Bhattarai et al., 2012). Aslivestock comprises a major part of agro-ecological system of the Panchase area, foddercollection is the second most important biomassouttake, especially in dry and lean periods whenon-farm fodder is particularly sparse. Thepreferred fodder species are Schima wallichii,Castanopsis indica, C. tribuloides, Euryaacuminata, Prunus sp., Quercus lamellosa andQ. semicarpifolia. However, their productivity isconstrained by outcompeting for nutrients byEupatorium (Bhattarai et al., 2012).
Ward Household Male Female Total
1 201 325 463 788
2 53 85 93 178
3 45 83 89 172
4 127 206 272 478
5 294 547 610 1,157
6 27 40 47 87
7 43 72 87 159
8 28 38 47 85
9 60 91 91 182
Total 878 1,487 1,799 3,286
Source: Preliminary results of Census 2011, CBS
Table 1: Population distribution in BhadaureTamagi VDC
Figure 2: Settlement in BhadaureTamagi VDC
Figure 1: Map showing the locationof study area
Biodiversity Resource Inventory: Ecosystem Assessment of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC, Kaski
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2.4. Geology and Topography
The Himalayas, of which Bhadaure Tamagi VDC is a part, is the youngest mountain range in theworld, and consists of highly metamorphosed complex rock like gneisses, phyllites, mica schist,etc (Carson, 1992). A geological map of the study area is presented in Figure 3.
However, the underlying rock is not of prime importance to the vegetation (Arneberg, 1995).Altitude, rainfall, and aspect are the most important factors determining the main vegetationtypes (Stainton and Polunin, 1984). The topography is extremely rugged with massive mountainridges and gentle to steep slopes. The study site is found to be highly susceptible to erosions(LAC, 2000). Terracing is mandatory to control erosion when used for arable agriculture.
2.5. Altitude
Bhadaure Tamagi is one of the largest VDCs in the Panchase area. It extends to an area of2504.26 ha. The altitude of the VDC ranges from 815 m at the Harpan khola flood plains to2484 m at the peak of Panchase hill (Figure 4).
Figure 3: Geological map of Bhadaure Tamagi
Figure 4: Altitude map of Bhadaure Tamagi
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Biodiversity Resource Inventory: Ecosystem Assessment of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC, Kaski
2.6. Slope and Aspect
The topography is extremely rugged with massive mountain ridges and gentle to steep slopes.Generally the slope ranges from 21o to 52o. The major part of the VDC is north, east or north-east facing and thus there are plenty of possibilities for NTFPs and MAPs. Slope is classifiedinto six major classes depending on the degree of slope. Less than 210 is categorized as gentleslope while more than 520 as extreme slope (Figure 5 and Figure 6).
2.7. Climate
This part of Kaski district is located in sub-tropical climatic zone and receives an average annualrainfall of 338 mm (over the period of 25 years from 1985 to 2010) with the highest rainfalloccurring in the monsoon of 1988 (with the total rainfall of 4936.6 mm). The average annualnumber of days of rainfall occurrence is 128 days (from years 1985 to 2010) with a maximum of164 days recorded in the year 1985 (Figure 7).
Figure 7: Annual average precipitation (1985-2010) (from DHM station 0813 Bhadaure)
Figure 5: Slope map of Bhadaure Tamagi Figure 6: Aspect map of Bhadaure Tamagi
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The seasonal1 precipitation trend over the past25 years (1985-2010) shows an average rainfallof 473 mm in the pre-monsoon season, 3336mm in the monsoon season, 171mm in thepost- monsoon season and 82 mm in the winterseason (Figure 8). The seasonal precipitationpatterns (total rainfall) of the last 25 years isshown in Figure 9.The highest and lowest meanmonsoonal rainfall in Bhadaure region is 902mm and 308mm (Figure 10). Similarly, themean maximum winter rainfall is 17mm andminimum 9 mm in the VDC area (Figure 11).
As per downscaled global projected climatedata of Bioclim, the extremeness of
temperature scenario in both maximum and minimum in Bhadaure Tamagi VDC had beenmore significant in the subtropical region that covers the inner valley and plains of Harpan Kholaand Khahare Khola existed in the eastern part of the region. Ward 5 will absorb maximumtemperature (31oC) followed by wards 3, 4 and 6. At the same time minimum temperature willdecline below 00C throughout the region; however, its extremeness will be observed around thecool temperate region in south western flank surrounding Panchase peak in ward 9. Otherregions of ward 5, 7, 8 and 9 will exhibit warm temperate climate condition.
Figure 8: Seasonal precipitation trend(1985-2010)
1 Pre-monsoon months are March-May; Monsoon months are June-September; Post-Monsoon months are October-November and Winter months are December-February
Biodiversity Resource Inventory: Ecosystem Assessment of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC, Kaski
The spatial distribution of precipitation data shows two different scenarios, namely during monsoonand winter seasons. It is observed from the above figures that the entire part of BhadaureTamagi VDC receives a good amount of rainfall annually. The gridded data shows that duringmonsoon the rainfall distribution pattern will be more than 902 mm along the ridges from centralnorth to south direction whereas the other part will receive not less than 308 mm rainfall. Themost benefited wards of monsoon rainfall in Bhadaure Tamagi VDC are wards 1, 2, 3, 7, 8 and9. Interestingly, other than these wards, especially wards 4 and 5, the eastern parts of wards 3and 6 and the western parts of 7 and 9 receive a good amount of rainfall (16mm) in the winterseason.
The average annual maximum and minimum temperatures (from 1981-2011, DHM station no.0814, Lumle; Figure 12) vary from 20.230 C to 120 C. The hottest months were recorded in theyear 2009, with a maximum of 220C and the coldest of 110C was recorded in the winter monthsof 2011 (Figure 12).
Figure 11: Mean winter rainfall (Source Bioclim, 2010)
Figure 10 : Average annual temperature (Minimum)
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2.8. Soil Type and Soil Fertility
Located in the middle mountain physiographic region of the country, Bhadaure Tamagi VDC inthe Panchase Protected Forest Area consists of almost all the land forms and land types typicalof the physiographic region, except a few. Harpan khola, the major river flowing through thearea along with khahare kholas (seasonal streams), have made a strip of alluvial plains. Soil inthese alluvial plains varies with the proximity to the rivers. Areas adjacent to the rivers havefragmental sandy Psaments with some Ustorthents as well. These soils may not be suitable forcultivation because of their relatively coarse texture and excessive drainage. Moreover, theyare very prone to flood hazard during monsoon. These areas are better left for grass lands andsome riverine trees. Those areas which are occasionally flooded have Ustifluvents andFluvaquents with gravelly sandyloam/loam soils over sands and gravels. These areas withoccasional flood hazards are generally suitable for selective winter crops with good watermanagement practices. Areas away from the flood events and adjacent to foothills generallyhave well to moderately well drained coarse loamy Ustochrepts and at places EepiaquicHaplustepts. These areas are suitable for paddy in the monsoon season, and with irrigationfacility, a wide range of winter crops can be grown.
Figure 12: Average annual maximum and minimum temperatures (1981-2011, Station 0814)
Figure 13: Soil map of Bhadaure Tamagi
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Biodiversity Resource Inventory: Ecosystem Assessment of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC, Kaski
In the moderately steep mountainous terrain, cultivation occurs generally on the slopping aswell as level terraces. The slopping terraces generally have moderately deep skeletal loamyand sandy Dystrochrepts and Ustochrepts. These areas are best suited to maize- based croppingsystems. The level terraces generally have well to moderately well drained Epiaquic andAnthraquic coarse loamy Ustochrepts and Haplustepts and are better suited to paddy in therainy season and diverse winter crops with good water managemewnt practices. The forestedmoderately steep mountainous terrain has well- drained coarse loamy Haplumbrepts andHapludepts. The steep to very steep mountainous terrain which are mostly under forest havesandy and skeletal loamy Lithic and Paralithic Dystrochrepts and Ustorthents. These areas arenot suited to agriculture and maintainence of good vegetational cover is necessary as they arevulnerable to degradation.
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3. APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY
3.1. Study Design and Methodology
A series of meetings and discussions were held with IUCN Programme Team to discuss studymethods, determine the sample size, and finalise the checklist for information collections. MoFSCinventory guidelines and ANSAB participatory NTFP inventory guidelines were thoroughlyreviewed to come up with a biodiversity resource inventory method. Based on those meetingsand discussions with IUCN Programme Team and review of relevant literature, the followingstudy methods (Table 2) were agreed and used for information collection required for the study.Based on the information obtained from participatory resource inventory and transect walk,resource status and threats were assessed. Resource inventory provided information on cover,density, abundance, growing stock and regeneration status of important species.
Figure 14: Study framework
Ecosystem
Forest * Field observation* Transect walk* Participatory resource inventory* Consultation with stakeholder* Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and* Key Informant Interview (KII)
Agriculture/wetland or water body/grassland * Field observation* Transect walk* Consultation with stakeholder* Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and* Key Informant Interview (KII)
Table 2: Methods used for information collection
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Biodiversity Resource Inventory: Ecosystem Assessment of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC, Kaski
Transect walk provided information on threats based on anthropogenic disturbances andecosystem health. Consultation with stakeholders, FGD and KII provided the overall informationof the VDC. They were particularly used to compile information on the perception of the localpeople. A tally sheet (Annex 2) was developed for a participatory resource inventory. Checklistsas shown in Annex 3, 4 and 5 were developed for consultation with stakeholders, FGD and KII.A detailed methodological framework of the study area is presented in Figure 14.
3.2. Sampling Design for Participatory Forest ResourceInventory
The Land Resource Mapping Project (1984)maps were taken as basis for determiningsampling intensity and laying out samplepoints for participatory forest resourceinventory. LRMP (1984) has categorized theforests of Bhadaure Tamagi into two types,namely deciduous mixed broad-leaved forestand hill sal Forest. These two forest typeswere taken as two different strata and thesample points were systematically laid out atevery 250 m x 250 m throughout the forest.Points located along the alternative columnsfrom left were considered for the inventory.Furthermore, for convenience during the fieldmeasurement, points located in the area withmore than 300 slope were discarded. Thisleft the study team with 73 points: 69 pointsin deciduous mixed broad-leaved forest and4 in hill sal forest (Figure 15).
3.2.1. Size and shape of sample plots
The XY coordinates of laid out sample plotswere transferred to GPS for navigation andfield measurement (Annex 6). Once the pointswere located, concentric circular plots werelaid out at each sample point for the fieldmeasurement. Figure 16 shows thatconcentric circular plots of 500 m2, 300 m2,25 m2 and 10 m2 were used for measurementof trees, poles, saplings and seedlingsrespectively. Number of individuals of eachspecies was recorded in all plots. Thediameter at breast height (DBH, 1.37m) andheight for trees and poles were also recorded.The tally sheet used for recording and the listof the sample points used in the study areaare presented in Annex 2 and Annex 6respectively. Along with these parameters,other geographical, edaphic and climaticdisturbance characteristics were alsorecorded for each plot.
Figure 15: Layout of sample points for resourceinventory
Figure 16: Diagrammatic representation ofconcentric circular plots used for forest resource
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3.3. Field Arrangement
3.3.1. Arrangement of field equipment and data collection formats
Field inventory equipment, including GPS, diameter-tape, linear tape and height measuringinstruments, was assembled. Field equipment was prepared, checked and calibrated beforehand.A set of checklist format was also prepared and handed over to the field team.
3.3.2. Formation of multidisplinary team
A forest measurement team was formed consisting of botanist, forest technician, technicianfrom district forest office, project technical staff and local resource person. The data collectionprocess was entirely participatory. Local forest users' groups members were involved in themeasurement and preparing the participatory resource map, which helped in sampling designand planning inventory.
3.3.3. Orientation to the field technicians
Three-day orientation training was organised for information compilation and forest resourceinventory based on the checklist and format developed before going to the field. All the fieldtechnicians attended the training and became familiar with the process of information collection,and were subsequently deployed to their respective fields. The main objective of the orientationwas to ensure that they would able to handle the equipment and perform the inventory taskconsistently.
3.3.4. Field demonstration to the field technicians
In the fourth day, the entire field technicians were taken into a forest to demonstrate the inventorymethods. Firstly, participants were trained in using different equipment required for inventoryworks. Then the participants were trained on measuring the slope of the terrain and correctingthe slope. Secondly, they were trained on laying inventory plots of different sizes for herbs,shrubs and trees on the ground. Thirdly, they were trained on how to count and measure differentspecies in each plot. Finally, they were trained on recording data in respective formats.
3.4. Field Inventory
3.4.1. Field measurement
Observations were made and measurements of species found in each plot were done. Oncethe centre of sampling plot was located using GPS, plots of four different sizes (Figure 16) wereestablished for observation and measurement. All the regeneration of the prioritized specieswas also counted and recorded. Likewise, crown diameter was measured from the observation.
3.4.2. Focus Group Discussion (FGD)
The study team also conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) with the project beneficiariesto compile information of existing forest management practices, farming system and socio-economic conditions of the VDC. The FGDs were also used as opportunities to reflect on the
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Biodiversity Resource Inventory: Ecosystem Assessment of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC, Kaski
current status, trends and issues related tobiodiversity conservation, landscape management,climate change adaptation, and ecosystemmanagement in the study area. Altogether five FGDs,covering all wards of the VDC, were conductedduring the study. Figure 17 shows the ongoingdiscussion of FGD in the study area (for thechecklists used for FGDs, see Annex 3, 4 and 5).Information collected from FGD and other fieldmeasurements were validated by published andunpublished literature, forest operational plans andmanagement activities going in the field.
3.4.3. Key Informant Interview (KII)
Altogether 15 key informants were interviewed forcompiling detailed information on specific subjectssuch as MAPs in the area; forest managementpractices; cropping system; land use history. Thelist of key informants is included in Annex 7 andFigure 18.
3.4.4. Field observation and transect walk
Field observation and transect walk were used to compile information on forest, agriculture,pasture and wetland biodiversity. This provided a clear overview of the VDC. Transect walkswere also used as opportunities to compile information on wild animals and other ecosystems inthe VDC.
3.4.5. Secondary data collectionAvailable DFO's records and constitutions and operational plans of CFUGs were used forcompiling information on total number and area of CF handed over and benefitted population.CFUGs' records were helpful in undertaking resource inventory, determing species compositionand density of forests.
3.5. Geographic Information System (GIS) Mapping
Geographic Information System (GIS) and remote sensing based imagery analysis along withground observation data were used for biodiversity inventory design as well as for mappingenvironmental/bio-climatic variables, ecosystems and their components. GIS databases weredeveloped for various bio-physical parameters and components of ecosystems. The followingsub-section briefly presents the approaches and methodology used for mapping and developingdatabase for various components under this study.
3.5.1. Datasets used
Various available datasets were used for developing/generating new datasets for biodiversityinventory and mapping of ecological components. These datasets and sources are listed inTable 3.
Figure 17: Participants of focus groupdiscussion
Figure 18: Key informants during keyinformant interview
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3.5.2. Mapping of Ecosystem types
Ecosystem types viz. forest ecosystem, agriculture ecosystem and water body (wetlandecosystem) were mapped using high resolution RapidEye (RE) satellite image of the year2010/11. RapidEye image was classified using segmentation and object classification methodusing eCognition software tool for mapping ecosystem types.
A further classification of forest ecosystem was done based on vegetation types into chilaune-katus forest, hill sal forest, rakchan forest and utis forest. The forest types were classified andmapped using RE satellite imageries and inventory data, taking terrain slope and aspect asother parameters.
Agriculture ecosystem was sub-classed based on topography and cropping pattern of the regionfollowing LRMPs classification scheme. The cultivation classes identified and mapped in theVDC region are flood plain cultivation (lower river terraces), river terrace cultivation (upper riverterraces) in the valley floor/river flood plain area; level terrace cultivation, and sloping terracecultivation in the hilly areas (Box 1).
S.No. Datasets Sources/Year
1 Topographic datasets 1:25,000 scale National Topographic Database, SurveyDepartment, 2001
2 Land Utilization and Land System Maps 1:50,000 scale LRMP Land Utilization Map and LandSystem Maps, Kenting Earth Science, 1986
3 Climate datasets raster (Mean annualtemperature, mean precipitation
BioClim, downloaded from http://www.worldclim.org/bioclim
4 RapidEye (RE) 5m Satellite Imageries FRA Nepal Project, 2012
5 Other datasets Genesis Consultancy (P) Ltd., 2005-2010
Table 3: Datasets used for the study
BOX 1: CULTIVATION TYPES
Flood plain cultivation (Lower river terraces):The flood plain cultivation is the lower river terraces in the valley floor. These river terraces are theflood plains generally with one crop of rice.
River terrace cultivation (Upper river terraces):The river terrace cultivation is the upper river terraces with occasional flooding. Rice or seasonalvegetables are grown in the upper river terraces cultivation area in general.
Level terrace cultivation:The level terrace cultivation in the hilly region (hill slope cultivation) comprises terraces of up to 4oeither backward sloping towards the hillside or forward sloping. Single monsoonal upland rice is grownwith rain-fed water or hill irrigation system. Terraces where rice is grown are known as khet (low land?).Rice is followed mainly by wheat or fallow in the dry season.
Sloping terrace cultivation:Terraces in the hilly region with convex, concave or straight sloping surfaces are sloping terraces.Sloping terraces are found on upper slopes and spurs throughout the hilly region. These sloping terracesare known as bari or pakho (upland?) under Nepalese land classification terminology. Dominant croppingpattern in this type of cultivation land is maize during monsoon followed by millet, potato/mustard orwheat. In narrower sloping terraces maize or millet is often followed by fallow.
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Biodiversity Resource Inventory: Ecosystem Assessment of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC, Kaski
Agriculture sub-classes were classified and mapped using RE satellite images, terrain slopeparameters and ground observation of the cultivation pattern.
Grass land and grazing patches were mapped using high resolution Google Earth image. Onlysmall privately owned or abandoned land with grass cover was found in the VDC.
Water bodies (wetland ecosystem) consisting of rivers, streams and ponds were mapped usingsatellite images and ground observation.
3.5.3. Mapping of biodiversity
Floral and faunal bio-diversity and their hotspots were mapped using RE images and groundobservation data. The richness of forest species was mapped based on the occurrences ofspecies types in the inventory plot using GIS- based geostatistical analysis of the richnessparameter to create a species richness map.
The hotspots of the selected flora and fauna species (bird and wildlife) were mapped based onground observation, participatory mapping and location of the hotspots using GPS.
3.5.4. Mapping of services and institutes
Services (including ecosystem services) and institutes were mapped based on ground locationusing GPS and participatory mapping approaches. These services are categorized and mappedunder the following classes:
GIS database and datasets were developed for the ecosystem and its (aforementioned)components based on the RE satellite images and field measurement/observation andparticipatory mapping approaches. An attribute database was developed based on fieldmeasurement/observation and participatory mapping and other secondary sources. GIS datasetsdeveloped under the study and technical standards adopted are presented in Tables 4 and 5.The catalogue of attribute data and metadata is summarized in Table 4. The standards of GISdata used for the analysis is given in Table 5.
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Table 4: List of GIS Datasets Developed
S.No. Datasets/Layers Remarks
A Administrative
1 Panchase region boundary Based on national topographic data
2 17 VDC boundaries in Panchase Based on national topographic data
3 Wards boundaries in 17 VDCs Based on national topographic data
B Bio-physical and environment
4 Altitude/Digital Elevation Model (DEM) DEM generated from 20m contours
5 Slope & Aspect Derived from DEM
6 Average Annual Temperature Analyzed from DHM data and Bioclim
7 Average Precipitation Analyzed from DHM data and Bioclim
8 Geology Based on regional geological map, DMG
9 Soil Type Based on LRMP Land Utilization Map
C Topographic and hydrography
10 Terrain contours and spot levels Based on national topographic data
11 Road infrastructure Based on data from DoR
12 River and Streams Based on national topographic data
13 Watershed and Sub-watershedboundaries
Based on watershed deleniaiton using SWAT model
14 Water bodies (Ponds) Based on national topographic data and mapped from fieldobservation
D Ecosystem and Components
15 Biodiversity inventory plots Based on field observation and GPS location
16 Ecosystem Types Based on RE images and field data
17 Vegetation Types Based on RE images and field inventory data
18 Vegetation Species Richness Based on RE images and field inventory data
17 Cultivation Types Based on RE image and field observation
20 Wildlife Hotspots Based on field observation and GPS location andparticipatory mapping
21 Bird Hotspots Based on field observation and GPS location andparticipatory mapping
E Rapid Eye 5m satellite imagery Ortho rectified satellite imagery
Table 5: GIS Standards Adopted
S.No. Parameters Details
1 Coordinate Reference System (CRS) Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) Zone 44 N
2 Spheroid World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84)
3 Data formats Vector: ESRI Shape File; Raster: GeoTIFF
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Biodiversity Resource Inventory: Ecosystem Assessment of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC, Kaski
3.6. Data Entry and Processing
Resource inventory data were entered in MS Excel by developing standard data entry format todevelop a database and for further analysis. Similarly, information compiled from FGDs, KII,and observations and transect walks and secondary sources were entered in a custom developeddata entry software for easy data management and analysis. Data were analysed both qualitativelyand quantitatively.
3.6.1. Quantitative analysis
The quantitative data on seedlings, saplings, poles and trees obtained from forest resourceinventory were analysed to calculate quantitative vegetation parameters like density, frequency,basal area with their relative values and Importance Value Index (IVI) for classification of forestecosystem into major vegetation types. They were further analysed to calculate growing stockof pole and tree using the following formulas:
Density and relative densityDensity expresses the numerical strength of the presence of a species in a community. It is thenumber of individuals per unit area and is expressed as number per hectare.
Relative density is the density of a species with respect to the total density of all species.
[Source : Zobel et al. 1987]
Frequency and relative frequencyFrequency is the number of sampling units in which particular species occur, thus expressingthe dispersion of various species in a community. It refers to the degree of dispersion in terms ofthe percentage of occurrence.
Relative frequency is the frequency of a species in relation to other species.
[Adapted from Raunkiaer 1934]
Basal Area and Relative Basal AreaBasal area is the space covered per unit area by plant stems estimated by measuring diameterat breast height (DBH). It is one of the chief characteristics to determine dominance. Relativebasal area is the proportion of basal area of species to the sum of the basal area of all species.
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[Adapted from Zobel et al. 1987]
Importance Value Index (IVI)Importance Value Index (IVI) was introduced by Curtis and McIntosh (1951) as an index ofvegetation importance of any species to express ecological success with a single value within astand. It is the function of Relative Density (RD), Relative Frequency (RF) and Relative BasalArea (RBA) or Relative Coverage (RC) for shrubs of each species. This index provides aquantitative basis for the classification of a community. The IVI value of any species in a communityranges between 0-300.
IVI = Relative Frequency (RF) + Relative Density (RD) + Relative Dominance (RDo)
Growing stockGrowing stock expresses the volumetric strength of the presence of a species in a community.It is the volume of individual species per unit area and is expressed as volume per hectare.
Where,
3.6.2. Qualitative analysis
Qualitative data like local people's perception about existing forest management practices, farmingsystems, socio-economic conditions, current status, trends and issues related to biodiversityconservation, landscape management, climate change adaptation and ecosystem managementin the study VDCs were compiled separately and analysed to come up with ecological andsocial issues related to biodiversity conservation and their potential management options andbio-indicators of climate change in the study VDCs. The species listed from participatory forestresource inventory, FGDs, KII, field observations, transect walks and secondary sources wereclassified by taxonomy, life form, origin, endemism, invasiveness, conservation status and theiruses.
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Biodiversity Resource Inventory: Ecosystem Assessment of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC, Kaski
4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
4.1. Ecosystem Types
High resolution RapidEye satellite imageries of the year 2010/11 (Figure 19) and field data wereused to produce an ecosystem map of the study area. The entire VDC was classified into threeecosystems: agriculture/cultivation; forest and water body; and associated sandbars/riverbed(Figure 20). Forest was found to be the dominant ecosystem in the study area that covers morethan three quarters of the study area followed by agriculture which is 23 percent (Table 6).Khahare Khola and Harpan Khola are two major river systems in the VDC that constitutes amajor part of water body ecosystem in the VDC. Sand, gravel and boulder deposit along thesetwo rivers constitutes sandbars/riverbed. The statistics on ecosystem types by ward is presentedin Annex 8.
Table 6: Major ecosystem of Bhadaure Tamagi
Land Use class Area (ha) Percentage
Cultivation 572.49 22.86
Forest 1906.45 76.13
Sandbars/Riverbed 23.96 0.96
Water body 1.36 0.05
Total 2504.26 100
Figure 19: Ortho-rectified RapidEye Image of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC
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4.1.1. Forest Ecosystem
LRMP (1984) has categorized the area mainly as deciduous mixed broad-leaved forest with asmall portion of hill sal forest near the Thulakhet area. The dominance of broad- leaved speciesin the area can be attributed to its high rainfall. Due to high rainfall, the forests are rich inepiphytes, ferns and mosses. About 76 percent of the VDC is covered by forest and most of thetropical zone is dominated by chilaune-katus forest while temperate zone is dominated by rakchanforest (Figure 22).
Based on the Immportance Value Index (IVI) of canopy (pole and tree) species as shown inAnnex 9, the forest area was further classified into four vegetation types, namely rakchan forest,chilaune-katus forest, hill sal forest, and utis forest (Figure 22). Hill sal and utis were classifiedas separate vegetation types based on their localised dominance.
Chilaune-katus forest (56 percent) and rakchan forest (38 per cent) are major vegetation typesin the VDC, whereas hill sal forest and utis forest are negligibly present in north-eastern andnorth-western corners of the VDC respectively (Figure 22, Table 7). The statistics on vegetationtypes by ward is presented in Annex 10.
Figure 21: Epiphytic fern Figure 22: Major vegetation type
Figure 20: Ecosystem map of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC (based on recent Rapid Eye Image analysis)
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Biodiversity Resource Inventory: Ecosystem Assessment of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC, Kaski
Vegetation type by altitude
The altitude of Bhadaure Tamagi ranges from 815 m to 2484 m. This was classified into fourcategories as shown in Table 8: Below 1000 m, 1000-1500 m, 1500-2000 m and more than2000 m for analysis of change in vegetation type by altitude. The analysis shows that chilaune-katus and hill sal forests are predominant in the low altitude area while rakchan forests arepredominant in the high altitude area.
Species composition by vegetation type
The study found out that in terms of species composition the chilaune-katus forest was therichest (38 tree species), whereas the hill sal forest was found to be the poorest (6 tree species).Schima wallichii and Castanopsis indica were found in all the vegetation types available inBhadaure Tamagi VDC (Table 9).
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Regeneration status
The understory in terms of the regeneration status in the forest types of Bhadaure Tamagi wasalso analysed during the study. The understory in all the forest types was dominated by majortree species. The result showed that the understory in the utis forest was devoid of its ownregeneration which justifies the fact that it is a pioneer species that regenerates in reclaimedlands only. It can be implied from this analysis that utis forest can be replaced by other speciesin the long run. It was also found out that the understorey of all the forests comprised mixedspecies except for the understory of hill sal forest, which was composed of mere 4 species: sal,katus, mauwa and tiju.
Hill sal forest and utis forest which were least in area in Bhadaure Tamagi were found to havethe highest density of seedlings and saplings per ha respectively (Table 10). The details ofdistribution according to species are given in Annex 11 . The lower seedling and sapling densityin chilaune-katus forest and rakchan forest can be attributed to their higher canopy closure.
Sal 1200
Mauwa 400
Rakchan Forest
Bilauni 1750
Rakchan 1167
Rakchan 1011
Bilauni 522
Symplocus 28
Kafal 28
Mallato 11
Lek chaanp 11
Utis Forest
Paate 3000 4400
Mallo 400
Forest TypeSeedling Sapling
Highest Lowest Highest Lowest
Chilaune-Katus
Tiju 4219
Castanopsis indica 3031
Castanopsis indica 538
Schima wallichii 500
Khirro 31
Paiyu 31
Damaura 13
Kyamun 13
Hill SalForest
Sal 35000
Castanopsis indica 4000
Tiju 1000
Castanopsis indica 2000
Table 10: Seedling and Sapling Density by vegetation type
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Biodiversity Resource Inventory: Ecosystem Assessment of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC, Kaski
Density of poles and trees
The analysis in terms of canopy layer showed that all the forest types were dominated by polesrather than trees as illustrated in Table 11, and details are given in Annex 12 according tospecies. The dominant tree species of these forest types comprised the largest portion in termsof the structure of respective forests. The disaggregated analysis in terms of forest types showedthat chilaune-katus forest with 700 poles/ha is the richest in terms of pole density while utisforest with 120 trees/ha is the richest in terms of tree density.
Growing stock of poles and trees
The analysis in terms of the growing stock of the canopy layer of the forest types was performedin terms of trees and poles. It was found that the dominant tree species constituted the largestportion of the growing stock. As the canopy layer constituted of more poles than trees, a similarresult was found in terms of growing stock. The disaggregated analysis for growing stock showedthat hill sal forest with 152.76 cu.m. of stock per ha is the richest, whereas rakchan forest with93.28 cu.m. of stock per ha is the poorest in terms of growing stock (Table 12). The details of thegrowing stock according to species are presented in Annex 13.
4.1.2. Agriculture Ecosystem
Based on the topography and cropping pattern, agriculture land was classified and mapped intofour cultivation types, namely flood plain cultivation (lower river terrace), river terrace cultivation(upper river terrace), sloping terrace cultivation and level terrace cultivation (see Box 1 fordefinition). Flood plain cultivation and river terrrace cultivation were found along the KhahareKhola and Harpan Khola in ward no. 5 (Figure 23) Level terrace cultivation in the VDC is depictedin Figure 24.
Table 11: Density of Poles and Trees
Forest Type Pole Tree Total
Chilaune-Katus 426 68 494
Hill Sal 700 60 760
Rakchan 345 56 401
Utis 433 120 553
Total 1904 304 2208
Table 12: Growing Stock of Poles and Trees
Forest TypeTotal Growing Stock (cu.m./ha)
Pole Tree Total
Chilaune-Katus 57.37 59.64 117.01
Hill Sal 96.69 53.24 149.93
Rakchan 51.35 41.93 93.28
Utis 55.4 97.36 152.76
Total 260.81 252.17 512.98
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Much of the agricultural land in Bhadaure Tamagi is under sloping terrace cultivation which istypical of the mid-hills of Nepal. On the otherhand, 1.15 percent of the area is suitable for floodplain cultivation, whereas about 4 percent of the area is suitable for river terrace cultivation andlevel terrace is used in 16.60 per cent of the area of agricultural land. Major cultivation types foreach ward of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC are presented in Annex 14 and summary of the cultivatedarea is given in Table 13.
4.1.3. Water bodies (wetland) EcosystemHarpan Khola and Khahare Kholaare two major river systems in theVDC. These two streams are inletsto Fewa Lake. Five metres on eachside of rivers and streams will bemanaged as a green belt forprevention of stream and riverbank degradation. Thus, theproposed total green belt area of94.78 ha was indicated in dark bluecolour (Figure 25). The location ofmajor 7 ponds (3 natural pondsand 4 fish ponds) and 3 watersprings (2 potable) are alsoindicated in the map. The criticalwatersheds of natural ponds areindicated in light blue color whichequals to an area of 28.55 ha.Water bodies such as small pondsand reservoirs are shrinking day
Figure 23: Major cultivation types inBhadaure Tamagi
Figure 24: Level Terraces seen in BhadaureTamagi
Table 13: Major Cultivation Types
Agriculture class Area (ha) Percentage
Level Terrace Cultivation 95.04 16.60
Sloping Terrace Cultivation 448.99 78.43
River Terrace Cultivation 21.86 3.82
Flood Plain Cultivation 6.61 1.15
Total 572.49 100.00
Figure 25: Water bodies of Bhaudare Tamagi VDC
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Biodiversity Resource Inventory: Ecosystem Assessment of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC, Kaski
by day and water table is decreasing annually (Figure 26). Rain water harvesting is done insmall ponds.
4.1.4. Pasture/grazing land
There is no pasture/grazing land in the VDC. However, there is a practice of keeping goth/kharka in private land. In general, cattle in goth/kharka are left for free grazing in forests andsmall patches of grassland (Figure 27). This is common in higher altitude areas of the VDC,whereas most of the forests are under government management. In Bhadaure Tamagi, therewere altogether 23 grassland patches in ward nos. 1, 3, 6, 7, 8 and 9 covering an area of 15.24ha. Ward nos. 2, 4 and 5 do not have grassland patches (Figure 27). The details of grasslandpatches are presented in Annex 25.
Figure 26: Water bodies in Study VDC a) Harpan Khola, b) Ponds used by buffalo for drinking water
Figure 27: Grassland/grazing patches seen in Bhadaure Tamagi
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4.2. Biodiversity
4.2.1. Flora
The study has assessed the floral diversity present in the major ecosystems of Bhadaure TamagiVDC, viz. forest, agriculture, wetland and rangeland. Forest ecosystem with species richness of178 was found to be the richest while wetland ecosystem with species richness of only threewas found to be the poorest ecosystem from the floral diversity point of view (Table 14). Acomplete list of species is presented in Annex 15, 16, 17 and 18.
Out of total 263 floral species in all ecosystems, the majority of them were dicots (170) of whichmore than half occurred in forests (109). The second largest component in the floral speciesdiversity was of the monocots (69) of which 47 species were found in forests. Of the 47 speciesof monocots found in the forest, 30 species are orchids. Gymnosperms and algae were theleast occurring species, one each in the forest and water body respectively. Bryophytes werenot recorded in the VDC during this study. The total number of tree species found in the studyarea is 47 (Annex 15) and the number of small plants, climbers, orchids, NTFPs, herbs andshrubs found in the VDC is shown in Table 15.
Table 14: Species Richness of Ecosystems by Taxa
S.No. Taxa Forest Agriculture Water body Total
1 Dicotyledons 109 61 170
2 Monocotyledons 47 20 2 69
3 Gymnosperms 1 1
4 Pteridophytes 11 1 12
5 Lichens 2 2
6 Fungi 5 5
7 Algae 1 1
8 Unidentified 3 3
Total 178 82 3 263
Table 15: Number of Floral Species found in Bhadure Tamagi by Life Form
S.No. Life form Forest Agriculture Water body Total
1 Climber 8 8
2 Fern 11 1 12
3 Fungus 5 5
4 Herb 48 51 3 102
5 Lichen 2 2
6 Orchid 30 30
7 Shrub 27 7 34
8 Tree 47 23 70
Total 178 82 3 263
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Biodiversity Resource Inventory: Ecosystem Assessment of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC, Kaski
In total, there were 56 agricultural crop species in BhadaureTamagi. Of which, 12, the maximum,are vegetable species followed by 11 species of spices, 9 species of fruit and 7 species each ofcereal and flowers (Table 16). The details of these species are presented in Annex 16.
Ecological status of floral species
The study analysed has the ecological status of the floral species found in the major ecosystemsof Bhadaure Tamagi. Out of 263 floral species found in the VDC, 237 species are native while 6species are introduced (introduced in the area from other parts of Nepal) and 15 species arealien (introduced in the area from other countries). The status of five species was unknown.Three species falling in each three ecosystems were found to be invasive (for details, see thenote of Table 17). Similarly, three species were found to be protected. Among which, chhatre(tree fern, Cyathea spinulosa Wall. ex Hook.: Figure 28) protected under CITES Appendix II,was found both in forest and agriculture ecosystems.
S.No. Crop TypeNumber of
species
1 Beverage 2
2 Cash crop 1
3 Cereal 7
4 Flower 7
5 Fruit 9
6 Legume 2
7 Oil 1
8 Spices 11
9 Tuber 3
10 Vegetable 12
11 Weed 1
Total 56
Table 16: Types of Vegetable foundin the Study VDC
Figure 28: Chhatre (Tree fern,Cyathea spinulosa Wall. ex Hook.)
S.No. Ecological status ForestAgricul-
tureWaterbody
Total
1 Alien 5 9 1 15
Invasive 1 1 1 3
2 Introduced 6 6
3 Native 168 67 2 237
Endemic to Nepal 5 (1)* 2 (1) 7 (1)
Protected 2 (1)* 2 (1) 4 (1)
4 Unidentified 5 5
Total 178 82 3 263
* one species is common both in forest and agriculturalecosystem
Table 17: Ecological Status of Floral Species
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4.2.2. Fauna
The study has assessed the faunal species diversity present in the major ecosystems, viz.forest, agriculture and water bodies in Bhadaure Tamagi. Forest ecosystem was found to havespecies richness of 20 while agriculture ecosystem species richness of 9 and waterbody speciesrichness of 3 (Table 18). A complete list of species is presented in Annex 19, 20 and 21. Thewinter season, time for the hibernation of the majority of cold blooded fauna, could be one thereasons for limited sighting of fauna in the field, especially the aquatic fauna. Thus, this studycould not cover the faunal diversity of waterbodies in detail and is recommended to undertake afaunal study in summer/rainy seasons.
Invasive Species
Eupatorium adenophorum (forest ecosystem); Ageratum houstonianum Mill. (agriculture ecosystem)and Pistia stratiotes L. (water body ecosystem)
Species Endemic to Nepal
Arisaema tortuosum (Wall.) Schott (forest ecosystem); Cissampelos pareira L. (Forest ecosystem);Berberis aristata DC. (Forest ecosystem); Asparagus racemosus Willd. (forest and agricultureecosystem); Reinwardtia indica Dumort. (Forest ecosystem) and Ficus neriifolia Sm. (agricultureecosystem)
Protected Species
Shorea robusta Gaertn. (protected by the Forest Act 1993, found in forest ecosystem); Cyatheaspinulosa Wall. ex Hook. (listed in CITES Appendix II, found both in forest and agriculture ecosystems)and Bombax ceiba L. (protected by the Forest Act 1993, found in agriculture ecosystem)
Introduced Species
Akabare khorsani (Capsicum annum var. Frutesins); Tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze); Maganpuredhaan (Oryza sativa L.); Manakamana makai (Zea mays L.); Kalki phool (Callistemon citrinus (Curtis)Skeels); and Ankhi timur (all found in Agriculture ecosystem)
Table 18: Fauna in the Forest andAgriculture Ecosystem
S.No. Taxa ForestAgricul-
tureWaterbody
Total
1 Mammals 6 5 11
2 Aves 14 4 18
3 Reptiles
4 Amphibians 1 1
5 Fish 1 1
6 Invertebrates 1 1
Total 20 9 3 32
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Biodiversity Resource Inventory: Ecosystem Assessment of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC, Kaski
Ecological status of faunal species
The study analysed the ecological status of the faunal species found in the major ecosystems(Annex 19, 20 and 21) of Bhadaure Tamagi. A total of 32 species of wildlife, including an introducedspecies (broiler chicken), were found in the VDC (Table 19). There were no alien, invasive,endemic or protected faunal species in the VDC. The scats of fauna found in the study VDC areshown in Figure 29 which indicate the status of faunal diversity.
4.3. Hotspots - Flora and Fauna
This study has identified Bhadaure Tamagi as one of the potential habitats for bird speciesincluding a species of vulture (Gyps himalayensis) shown in (Figure 30). Point locations of thesuitable habitats were indicated in the map based on ground observations (Figure 31). BhadaureTamagi is also home to brown bear, leopard and deer. Droppings of these species were foundscattered throughout the VDC by the study team (point locations of droppings indicated in themap in Figure 32).
S.No. Taxa ForestAgricul-
tureWaterbody
Total
1 Introduced 1 1
2 Native 20 8 3 31
Total 20 9 3 32
Note: No Alien, invasive, endemic and protected speciesfound
Table 19: Status of faunal species
Figure 30: Vultures seen flying over the sky of Bhadaure Tamagi (left); Tiktike (right)
Figure 29: Scats of Wild Animal
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Figure 33: Plant hotspots in Bhadaure Tamagi
Figure 31: Bird hotspots in BhaduareTamagi
Figure 32: Wildlife hotspots in BhaduareTamagi
Bhadaure Tamagi is undoubtedly a paradise for orchids. Bhadaure Tamagi is home to 28 speciesof orchids. A threatened species of fern (Tree fern - Cyathea spinulosa) was also found in theVDC (point locations of species occurrence indicated in the map in Figure 33). Predominantpresence of lokta, a high value fibre species, was found in ward no. 7 of the VDC (Figure 33).
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Biodiversity Resource Inventory: Ecosystem Assessment of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC, Kaski
5. OBSERVED ISSUES AND MANAGEMENT OPTIONS
5.1. Ecological Issues
Field observations conducted during the study have revealed several ecological issues that canbe deterrent to valuable floral and faunal species occurring in Bhadaure Tamagi VDC. Themajor ecological issues of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC observed during the study are as follows:
5.1.1. Open grazing
Open grazing was observed during field observations. Cattle were left freely to graze in theforest. This can manoeuvre a major threat to the conservation of vital plant species, includinghigh value NTFPs and regeneration as these cattle feed on them.
5.1.2. On-going road construction
Road construction is taken as a major infrastructural development indicator and Bhadaure TamagiVDC like every other VDC in the region is in the process of road construction. On-going roadconstruction can be crucial in destabilizing the geology of the study area resulting in landslidesand soil erosion and damaging lives and assets (Figure 34).
5.1.3. Flooding/siltation
Khahare Khola and Harpan Khola, the two major river systems occurring in the VDC and inletsto Fewa Lake, pose a serious threat of flooding in the rainy season. As a result, fertile soils arecontinually eroded downstream. Such soil erosion and continual sediment spill to these rivershave resulted in siltation , posing threats such as topsoil runoff, destruction of habitats for aquaticflora and fauna in these rivers and the existence of Fewa Lake.
5.1.4. Forest fire
Forests in the study area are also prone to forest fires that are either deliberate or accidental.Such incidents can cause extensive damage to plants and wildlife. They can result in humanfatalities if spread to human settlements.
Figure 34: Landslide triggered by on-going road construction
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5.1.5. Agricultural land abandonment
Agricultural lands are being abandoned in the study area mainly due to migration of adults toPokhara and other major cities in Nepal and abroad. Due to migration and overseas employmentof adults from the VDC, only the elderly and children are left. This has brought about dominoeffect on the agricultural system, once fertile farmlands are being abandoned for trees to growand forests to come up in the long run. This poses a serious threat to agricultural production andfood security.
5.1.6. Illegal logging
Illegal logging is another major threat to forest tree species in the study area. Some sections ofthe forest were observed to have large tree stumps with a pathway besides it used for skiddingthe logs out of the forest.
5.1.7. Illegal poaching
Forests of Bhadaure Tamagi are home to a number of faunas but they have not remaineduntouched by illegal poaching. Wildlife such as deer, certain fowls, etc are illegally hunted eitherfor individual use or commercial purposes. This can be a principal threat to endangering thepopulation of such species resulting in the loss of such species in the long run.
5.1.8. Human wildlife conflict
Wildlife, which is specific in nature, is posing a major threat to the agricultural production of theVDC. Local people reported on wild hares 'chauda' from nearby forests infesting wheat, monkeysinfesting maize, and wild rats infesting cereal crops.
5.1.9. Spread of Invasive Alien Species (IAS)
The spread of invasive alien species in the forest, agricultural lands and water bodies is seen asa major threat to the floral species diversity of the VDC. It was observed that banmara (Eupatoriumadenophorum) had invaded the forest. The invasive species found in the agricultural land werenilo gandhe (Ageratum houstonianum Mill) and banmara (Eupatorium adenophorum). Thewaterbodies of the study area were invaded by jalkumbhi (Pistia stratiotes L.).
5.2. Social issues
5.2.1. Migration
The adults of the VDC were observed to have migrated to Pokhara and other major cities ofNepal as well as abroad. Migration occurred mainly in search of education, employmentopportunities and higher standards of living. This has left only the elderly and children in theVDC who are unable to perform strenuous tasks in agricultural fields, hence resulting intoabandonment of fertile farmlands.
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Biodiversity Resource Inventory: Ecosystem Assessment of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC, Kaski
5.2.2. Overseas remittance
Overseas remittance is the major contributor to the economy of Bhadaure Tamagi. One personfrom each family is in the Gulf countries for employment, with the entire family dependent onhim/her for financial security.
5.2.3. Untouched forests
People have ceased going to the forest these days as their household demands of fuelwood,fodder and small timber are being met from the trees growing on farmlands. Forests growing onabandoned farmlands are also a major contributor for meeting these needs. Also, there is lesserdemand for such fuelwood as people have started using LPG for cooking.
5.3. Potential Options
5.3.1. Community involvement in biodiversity conservation
As Bhadaure Tamagi is rich in biodiversity, community involvement can be a major activity bothin its conservation and management.
5.3.2. Ecotourism promotion
There is a promising aspect for ecotourism in the VDC by establishing an orchid arboretum. Ademo plot of orchids (28 species) already exists in wards 1 and 2 (see Box 2). An eco-trail canalso be constructed as the study area is home to vegetation ranging from sub-tropical to sub-alpine.
Box 3: Gurung Cultural Museum
With an aim to preserve the cultural heritage ofGurung communities of Panchase ProtectedArea, Machhapuchhre Development Organiza-tion in the support of UNDP/GEF Small GrantsProgramme established a Gurung Museum on5th June 2006 in Bhadaure Tamagi, Ward no.2. Since then the museum has been one of theattractions for the tourists having interest in acultural tourism.
Box 2: Orchid Demo Plot
Panchase Protected Forest Area with 113 speciesof orchids including two endemic species is knownas Paradise of Orchids. In order to demonstratethis rich diversity of the Panchase ProtectedForest Area, an in-situ orchid demo plot wasestablished by Naulochharchhare CFUG ofBhadaure Tamagi 1 and 2 in technical andfinancial support of Panchase Protected ForestProgramme. The plot extending to an area of 6.78ha hosts 28 species of orchids at present. Ifinstitutionalized, it has potential to be developedas an orchid arboretum.
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5.3.3. Promotion of private sector investment in forest-based enterprises
There is potential of a nigalo- based community orchid enterprise in the VDC so that thecommunity can benefit from the revenue generated.
5.3.4. Cultural tourism promotion
Cultural tourism holds a major potential in the VDC, which already has a Gurung Cultural Museum.But there is a need for institutionalisation of the museum (see Box 3).
5.3.5. Promotion of organic vegetable farming
As Pokhara city has close proximity to the VDC, there is an immense potential of organic vegetablefarming in this area, so that the community can generate income from it.
5.3.6. PES potential
There is potential for enhancing the linkages between inhabitants of Bhadaure Tamagi anddownstream communities under PES mechanism for their mutual benefit as Harpan Khola andKhahare Khola streams are inlets of Fewa Lake.
5.3.7. Vulture conservation
Four vultures were sighted roosting in a lapsi tree during the field work by the field team (Figure35). This shows the potential of Bhadaure Tamagi for the development as a vulture conservationsite.
Figure 35: Vulture roosting in a Lapsi tree
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Biodiversity Resource Inventory: Ecosystem Assessment of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC, Kaski
5.3.8. NTFPs Promotion
NTFPs cultivation and marketing can be a good source of income generation in the study areabecause several indigenous species of non-wood species such as kurilo, lokta, broom grassand other NTFPs (Annex 23) are found in the area. Broom grass is not only economicallybeneficial but also ecologically important as it prevents potential soil erosion. Similarly, manyfruit trees can be grown on the ridges and bunds of the cultivated field. Therefore, in-situ cultivationof fruit trees, NTFPs and indigenous species are very effective mechanism for livelihoodimprovement.
5.4. Bio-indicators of Climate Change
The following things were observed as bio-indicators of climate change in BhadaureTamagi VDC of the Panchase area:
• The invasion of banmara and hadeunyu in the forest has made it difficult toenter the forest and it has adversely affectednatural regeneration. Similarly, the invasionof nilogandhe in agriculture land has causeda decline in agricultural production.
• The invasion jalkumbhi in one of theponds of Chainpur has led to drying up ofthe pond (Figure 36).
• Delay in monsoon has forced to delay paddy planting time. Paddy planting time hasbeen delayed by 15 days, i.e. from mid-Jestha to early Asadh. In addition, the cultivation ofother crops has been delayed by a month, ie from Chaitra-Baishakh to Baishakh-Jestha.
• Local people have reported the rise in temperature in the area. Mosquitoes, once absentin the area, can now be seen in a large number in summer. This has made it impossible tosleep without a mosquito net. As it used to be very cold in the month of Magh in the past inthe area, a saying was quite popular among the local people a'9fvf8f df3nfO{, alnofaf7faf3nfO{ (English translation: Old and weak ones for winter, young and strong ones for tiger).However, the local people reported that this saying has lost its significance at present withthe rise in winter temperature.
Figure 36: Jalkumbi invasion in a pond inChainpur, Bhadaure Tamagi VDC
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Forest • Vulture study - Vultures were sighted in the VDC and a detailed study is neededto come up with a habitat management and conservation plan.
• Human Wildlife Conflict study - Crop raiding by monkey,wild hare and wild ratreported. Thus a study is needed to assess the intensity of conflict.
• Wildfire - Bhadaure Tamagi is susceptible to wildfire; maintaining a buffer areafrom settlement mainly in southern aspects and preparation of communitywildfire management plan, firefighting equipment support and capacitydevelopment would undoubtely help local communities to fight wildfire.
• Orchid - An orchid demo plot already exists in the VDC and its upgrading to anarboretum will not only promote in-situ species conservation but also promoteecotourism in the VDC.
• Densely accumulated leaf litter on the forests can be used for organic manureproduction. This will not only provide additional economic incentive to localcommunities but also reduce wildfire risk by reducing the fuel for wildfire.
• Low cost bioengineering techniques could be adopted to prevent landslide andsoil erosion triggered by on-going road construction. Besides, local communitiesshould be made aware of the proper planning for road construction.
• Ecosystem based Adaptation project should be able to find a balance betweenecological and commercial management of the forests so that livelihood of forestdependent poor communities are not economically challenged.
Agriculture • Bhadaure Tamagi with quick access to Pokhara Sub-metropolis is a pontentialsite for promotion of organic farming, olericulture, pomoculture and productivelivestock farming.
• Agroforestry/farm forestry could be promoted to preserve agro biodiversity.
• Systems like stall feeding and rotational grazing system could be adoted to meetthe fodder demand of productive livestock farming. Besides, multi-layer farmingand introduction of improved varieties of fodder and grass species could also bepromoted in the VDC.
• Organic manure production from agriculture residue could supplement thefertilizer need of the VDC.
Wetland • Management of five meters on each side of rivers and streams as greenbeltwould prevent on-going stream and river bank degradation.
• Conservation of existing ponds would increase ground water rechargesubsequently reduce surface runoff and associated soil degradation in the VDC.
• There is a potential for enhancing linkages between inhabitants of BhadaureTamagi & downstream communities under PES mechanism for their mutualbenefit as Harpan Khola and Khahare Khola streams are inlets of Fewa Lake.
• Bhadaure Tamagi, with drying up water sources is facing drinking water scarcity,thus local communities should be made aware about proper management ofwater.
Cross cutting
Invasive species • All three major ecosystems in Bhadaure Tamagi: forest, agriculture and waterbodies have been invaded by invasive species. Thus, ecological restoration ofecosystem is must for continuous supply of ecosystem services.
• Coming up with the plans for alternative use of invasive species biomass wouldbe an effective intervention to control their invasion.
Museum • Bhadaure Tamagi does have potential for promotion of ecotourism throughupgradinto of Gurung cultural museum and orchid demo plot.
5.5. Ecosystemwise Management Options
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Biodiversity Resource Inventory: Ecosystem Assessment of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC, Kaski
6. CONCLUSIONS
Bhadaure Tamagi, the largest VDC in the Pahchase area, consists of three major ecosystems,namely forest, agriculture and wetland. The VDC is rich in forest resources and forest coversmore than 75 percent of land. This is followed by agriculture. Thanks to high rainfall and warmtemperature, the VDC is dominated by broad-leaved species with various species of epiphytes,ferns and mosses. Among the broad-leaved species found in the area, chilaune, katus andrakchan are the most dominant species. Chilaune-katus forest, hill sal forest, rakchan forestand utis forest are four major vegetation types under the forest ecosystem found in the VDC.The chilaune-katus forest supports higher biodiversity compared to other forest types. Despitewide altitudinal gradient, the utis forest is found to have less biodiversity as utis is a pioneerspecies and the forest is generally found in eroded soil. The study concludes that the regenerationstatus is poor in the dense canopy covered forest areas of chilaune-katus and rakchan forestsand are dominated by pole-sized plants.
Similarly, flood plain cultivation, river terrace cultivation, level terrace cultivation and slopingterrace cultivation are four major cultivation types under the agriculture ecosystem found inBhadaure Tamagi VDC. Likewise, Khahare Khola and Harpan Khola are two major river systemsin the VDC that constitute a major part of water body ecosystem in the VDC.
The study concludes that Bhadaure Tamagi VDC is indeed rich in floral and faunal biodiversity.It is home to 263 species of flora and 32 species of fauna. The forest ecosystem of BhadaureTamagi VDC is not only the largest ecosystem but also has the richest biodiversity and is hometo 178 species of flora, including 30 species of orchids and 20 species of fauna. The study alsoconcludes that out of 178 species of flora found in forest ecosystem, 107 species have non-timber values making Bhadaure Tamagi an NTFP rich VDC. The forest ecosystem consists offive endemic, two protected and one invasive species. Likewise, the agriculture ecosystemconsists of seven introduced, two endemic, two protected and one invasive species. The studyconcludes that diversity of fauna in the forest is higher compared to agriculture. Furthermore,diversity of arial species is high in the forest and vice versa in agriculture. The study has alsoconfirmed the existence of a CITES Appendix II species, i.e. Cyathea spinulosa Wall. ex Hook.,in the VDC. Besides, the study has confirmed the existence of big mammals, such as brownbear, leopard and deer as indicated by their droppings in the VDC.
Bhadaure Tamagi VDC, despite being a biodiversity rich VDC, is found to have many managementissues. Open grazing, on-going road construction, flooding/siltation, forest fire, agriculture landabandonment, illegal logging, poaching, human wildlife conflict and spread of invasive and alienspecies are some of the identified ecological issues that are posing serious threat to the richbiodiversity of the VDC. Unlike these ecological issues, change in social dimensions, mainlyout-migration, is having a positive impact on biodiversity of the VDC. Decrease in populationresulting from out-migration has considerably lowered pressure on the forest.
Despite all these management issues, Bhadure Tamagi has an immense potential of involvementof local communities in biodiversity conservation, ecotourism promotion, forest resorce-basedenterprise promotion, cultural trourism promotion, organic vegetable famring, PES, vultureconservation and NTFP promotion. Proper planning back up by some further studies willundoubtedly be helpful in materializing all these potentials.
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7. REFERENCES
ANSAB. 2010. Participatory inventory of non-timber forest products. Asia Network for SustainableAgriculture and Bioresources, Kathmandu.
Arneberg, E. 1995. Community and species diversity of vascular plants in disturbed Quercus-Rhododendron forest, Ghorepani. MSc thesis submitted to Agricultural University of Norway.
Aryal, A., and S.K. Dhungel. 2009. Species diversity and distribution of bats in the Panchaseregion of Nepal. Tiger Paper 36(2): 14-18.
Bhattarai, K.R., I.E. Maren, and R.P. Chaudhary. 2012. Medicinal plant knowledge of the Panchaseregion in the middle hills of the Nepalese Himalayas. Banko Janakari 21(2): 31-39.
Bhattarai, N.K., V. Tandon and D.K. Ved. 2002. Highlights and outcomes of the conservationassessment and management planning (CAMP) workshop, Pokhara. In: Proceedings onsharing local and national experience in conservation of MAPs in South Asia. IDRC SouthAsia Regional Office, New Delhi. 46-53.
Carson, B. 1992. Erosion and sedimentation processes in the Nepal Himalayas. ICIMODoccasional paper I, International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD),Kathmandu.
CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity). 2002. Decision VI/23: Alien species that threatenecosystems, habitats or species (Endnote I). Secretariat of the Convention on BiologicalDiversity, Montreal.
Curtis and McIntosh. 1951. An upland forest continuum in the Prairie-Forest Border Region ofWisconsin Ecology, Vol. 32, No. 3, (July 1951); p. 476-496
ISRC. 2013. Distric and VDC profle of Nepal, 2013, Soceo economic development data base ofNepal, Kathamandu.
Koirala, R. 1998. Botanical diversity within the project area of Machhapuchhre DevelopmentOrganisation, Bhadaure Tamagi, Kaski.
LAC. 2000. Annual report/ Annual work programme 1999/2000. Lumle Agricultural Centre, Lumle,Pokhara.
NWP. 2003. National wetland policy. Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, Kathmandu.
Stainton and Polunin. 1984. Flowers of the Himalayas.
Thapa, G.B. 1996. Land use, land management and environment in a subsistence mountaineconomy in Nepal. Agriculture, Ecology and Environment 57: 57-71.
Zobel, D.B., U.K. Yadav, P.K. Jha,, and M.J. Behan.1987. A practical manual for ecology. RaniPrinting Press, Kathmandu.
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Biodiversity Resource Inventory: Ecosystem Assessment of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC, Kaski
ANNEXURES
Annex 1: Glossary of Key Terms
AdaptationAn adaptation in biology is a trait with a current functional role in the life history of an organismthat is maintained and evolved by means of natural selection. An adaptation refers to both thecurrent state of being adapted and to the dynamic evolutionary process that leads to theadaptation. Adaptations contribute to the fitness and survival of individuals.
BiodiversityCommonly defined as "life in all its forms," biodiversity represents the variety of genes, species,and ecosystems present on earth, as well as the natural processes that sustain them. This is aweighty concept to comprehend, let alone inventory and document. At one end of the spectrum,biodiversity inventories include exhaustive "all-taxa" surveys that seek to identify the fullcomplement of living organisms within an area of interest (also known as the "bio-blitz" approach).
Canopy ClosureThe degree to which the canopy (forest layers above one's head) blocks sunlight or obscuresthe sky.
CanopyA layer of foliage in a forest stand. This most often refers to the uppermost layer of foliage, butit can be used to describe lower layers in a multi-storeyed stand. Leaves, branches and vegetationthat are above ground and/or water that provide shade and cover for fish and wildlife.
Crown CoverThe degree to which the crowns of trees are nearing general contact with one another.
EcosystemAn ecosystem is a complex set of relationships among the living resources, habitats, and residentsof an area. It includes plants, trees, animals, fish, birds, micro-organisms, water, soil and people.Ecosystems vary greatly in size and the elements that make them up, but each is a functioningunit of nature, everything that lives in an ecosystem is dependent on the other species andelements that are also part that ecological community. If one part of the ecosystem is damagedor disappears, it has an impact on everything else. Since ecosystem can be as small as a singletree or as large as entire forest.
Ecosystem-based AdaptationEbA is defined as the use of biodiversity and ecosystem services as part of an overall adaptationstrategy to help people to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change. EbA uses the range ofopportunities for the sustainable management, conservation, and restoration of ecosystems toprovide services that enable people to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
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It includes a range of local and landscape scale strategies for managing ecosystems to increaseresilience and maintain essential ecosystem services and reduce the vulnerability of people,their livelihoods and nature in the face of climate change. It also identifies and implements arange of strategies for the management, conservation and restoration of ecosystems to ensurethat they continue to provide the services that enable people to adapt to the impacts of climatechange. It involves collective action among governments, communities, conservation anddevelopment organizations, and other stakeholders to plan and empower local action that willincrease environmental and community resilience to the changing climate. Ecosystem basedadaptation and community based adaptation are therefore mutually supportive.
Ecosystem servicesThe simplest and most widespread definition of ecosystem services is, "the benefits peopleobtain from ecosystems", as defined by the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA). Examplesof ecosystem services include products (e.g., food, fuel and water), regulation of floods and soilerosion and disease outbreaks, and non-material benefits such as the recreational and spiritualbenefits of natural areas. Since what is an ecosystem in a particular locality is defined accordingto the interests of the people concerned, ecosystem services can also be defined as the benefitsthat people obtain from an area defined as an ecosystem. MEA grouped ecosystem servicesinto four broad categories:
Provisioning servicesProducts obtained from ecosystems, including food, fibre, fuel, genetic resources,ornamental resources, freshwater, biochemical, natural medicines and pharmaceuticals.
Regulating ServicesBenefits obtained from the regulation of ecosystem processes including air qualityregulation, climate regulation, water regulation, erosion regulation, water purification,waste treatment, disease regulation, pest regulation, pollination and natural hazardregulation.
Cultural ServicesNon-material benefits people obtain from ecosystems through spiritual enrichment,cognitive development, reflection, recreation and aesthetic experiences, including culturaldiversity, spiritual and religious values, knowledge systems, educational values,inspiration, aesthetic values, social relations, sense of place, cultural heritage values,recreation and ecotourism.
Supporting servicesServices necessary for sustaining the production of all other ecosystem services.Examples: primary production for plant growth and nutrient cycling for soil formationand water quality regulation.
Endangered SpeciesAny species or subspecies in immediate danger of becoming extinct throughout all or a significantportion of its range.
Environmental DegradationThe reduction of the capacity of the environment to meet social and ecological objectives andneeds. Degradation of the environment can alter the frequency and intensity of natural hazardsand increase the vulnerability of communities. The types of human-induced degradation are
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Biodiversity Resource Inventory: Ecosystem Assessment of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC, Kaski
varied and include land misuse, soil erosion and loss, desertification, wild fires, loss of biodiversity,deforestation, mangrove destruction, land, water and air pollution, climate change, sea levelrise and ozone depletion.
ErosionThe wearing away of land or soil by the action of wind, water, or ice.
ForageVegetation such as leaves, stems, buds, and some types of bark, that can be eaten for food andenergy.
ForestA biological community dominated by trees and other woody plants.
Forest FragmentationThe subdivision of large natural landscapes into smaller, more isolated fragments. Fragmentationaffects the viability of wildlife populations and ecosystems.
Forest InventoryForest inventory is the systematic collection of data and information for assessment or analysis.An estimate of the value and possible uses of timber is an important part of the broader informationrequired to sustain ecosystems
Forest ManagementProper care and control of wooded land to maintain health, vigor, product flow, and other valuessuch as soil condition, water quality, wildlife preservation and beauty, and to accomplish specificobjectives.
Forest Management PlanWritten guidelines for current and future management practices needed to meet an owner'sobjectives.
Forest TypesGroups of tree species commonly growing in the same stand because their environmentalrequirements are similar.
GrasslandGrasslands are areas where the vegetation is dominated by grasses (Poaceae) and otherherbaceous (non-woody) plants (forbs).
HabitatAn area in which a specific plant or animal can naturally live, grow, and reproduce.
Habitat DiversityA variety of food or cover for wildlife that is often critical to the survival of a species.
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Introduced SpeciesA species occurring in an area outside its historically known natural range as a result of accidentaldispersal by humans (also referred to as "exotic species" or "alien species").
Invasive SpeciesAn introduced species that invades natural habitats.
InventoryQuantitative method used to estimate the actual volume, composition, and market value ofstanding timber.
Land Use PlanningThe process undertaken by public authorities to identify, evaluate and decide on different optionsfor the use of land, including consideration of long term economic, social and environmentalobjectives and the implications for different communities and interest groups, and the subsequentformulation and promulgation of plans that describe the permitted or acceptable uses. Land-use planning is an important contributor to sustainable development. It involves studies andmapping; analysis of economic, environmental and hazard data; formulation of alternative land-use decisions; and design of long-range plans for different geographical and administrativescales. Land-use planning can help to mitigate disasters and reduce risks by discouragingsettlements and construction of key installations in hazard-prone areas, including considerationof service routes for transport, power, water, sewage and other critical facilities.
Land UseThe total of arrangements, activities, and inputs undertaken in a certain land cover type (a set ofhuman actions). The social and economic purposes for which land is managed (e.g., grazing,timber extraction, and conservation).
LandslideA mass of material that has slipped downhill by gravity, often assisted by water when the materialis saturated; rapid movement of a mass of soil, rock, or debris down a slope.
Pole TimberTrees 4 to 10 inches DBH.
RegenerationThe process by which a forest is reseeded and renewed. Advanced regeneration refers toregeneration that is established before the existing forest stand is removed.
ResilienceIs the capacity of a system, community or society potentially exposed to hazards to adapt, byresisting or changing in order to reach and maintain an acceptable level of functioning andstructure. This is determined by the degree to which the social system is capable of organizingitself to increase its capacity for learning from past disasters for better future protection and toimprove risk reduction measures. The ability of a system, community or society exposed tohazards to resist, absorb, accommodate to and recover from the effects of a hazard in a timelyand efficient manner, including through the preservation and restoration of its essential basicstructures and functions. Amount of change a system can undergo without changing state.
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Biodiversity Resource Inventory: Ecosystem Assessment of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC, Kaski
ResponseThe provision of emergency services and public assistance during or immediately after a disasterin order to save lives reduces health impacts, ensure public safety and meet the basic subsistenceneeds of the people affected.
RiskThe combination of the probability of an event and its negative consequences. Is the result ofinteraction of physically defined hazards with the properties of the exposed systems - i.e., theirsensitivity or (social) vulnerability. Risk can also be considered as the combination of an event,its likelihood, and its consequences - i.e., risk equals the probability of climate hazard multipliedby a given system's vulnerability. The relative degree of probability that a hazardous event willoccur. An active fault zone, for example, would be an area of high risk.
SeedlingA tree, usually less than 2 inches diameter at breast height.
SpeciesA group of related organisms having common characteristics.
Stand DensityThe quantity of trees per unit area, usually evaluated in terms of basal area, crown cover andstocking.
StockingThe number and density of trees in a forest stand. Stands are often classified as under stocked,well-stocked or overstocked.
StratificationDivision of a forest, or any ecosystem, into separate layers of vegetation that provide distinctniches for wildlife. See canopy, understory, and herbaceous vegetation.
Threatened SpeciesA species or subspecies whose population is so small or is declining so rapidly that it maybecome endangered in all or a significant portion of its range.
Wetlandare natural or artificially created areas, such as swamps, marsh, riverine floodplain, lake, waterstorage area and agricultural land containing water from underground water sources oratmospheric precipitation that may be permanent, temporary, static or flowing, and fresh orsaline (National Wetland Policy, 2003).
WildlifeA broad term that includes non-domesticated vertebrates, especially mammals, birds, and fish.
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Annex 2: Tally Sheet Used for Forest Resource Inventory
(A) Preliminary Information of Forest
Name of forest: Name of block: Forest type:
Forest condition Information collection date: Info collected by:
(B) Plots description
Slope: Aspect: Erosion: Canopy density (%)TreePoleRegeneration
(C) Regeneration, Pole and Tree
Regeneration
Pole(DBH 10 - 30 cm)(Plot Size 300 m2)
Tree(DBH > 30 cm)
(Plot Size 500 m2)Seedling
Height < 1 m(Plot Size 10 m2)
SaplingHeight > 1 m and
DBH < 10 cm(Plot Size 25 m2)
S.No.Species/
Local Name NoSpecies/
Local Name NoSpecies/
Local NameDBH(cm)
Height(m) Quality
Species/Local Name
DBH(cm)
Height(m) Quality
(D) Small plant, Climber and Orchid (Plot Size 10 m2)
S.No. Species Local Name No Remarks
(E) Other Important Information from Ecosystem and Biodiversity point of view:
1.
2.
(F) Existing and Possible Threat from Ecosystem and Biodiversity point of view:
1.
2.
(G) Forest management activities
Note:• Radius required for circular plots in metres
S.No. Development stage Area of plot (m2) Radius (m)
1 Tree 500 12.62
2 Pole 300 9.77
3 Sapling 25 2.82
4 Seedling/Small plants/Climber/Orchid 10 1.78
• Inspection Visit• Visit of special area• Take pictures of each species and code them• If possible, try also to include fruits, flowers and leafs while taking the snap
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Biodiversity Resource Inventory: Ecosystem Assessment of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC, Kaski
Annex 3: Checklist Used for Agriculture Resource InformationCollection
Methods:o Field observationo Transect walk: Transects will be laid out focusing major ecosystems and hotspotso Focus group discussiono Participatory mapping
List of cultivated vascular and non-vascular plant species
Vascular Plant
S.No.Local name /
Vernacularname
Subsistence crops (S)/Cash crops
(C)/Ornamental plants(O) / Shading(S)
Native (N) /Exotic (E)
Found inPrivate land (P)/ Govt (G) / CF
(C)
Description /Characteristic
(tree, shrubs, forbs,grass) (mushroom,
lichens, climbers, algae,mosses, fungi, orchids,
NTFPs) (elevation)(annual, biannual,
perennial)
Comments /use value
(
Note:• List ornamental plants growing in private gardens as well as orchards• Note nonnative species planted as part of hedges or shelterbelts• List algae, mosses and fungi found in wetland areas• Note the local people’s perception about change in agriculture practices in the VDC
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Annex 4: Checklist Used for Faunal Resource InformationCollection
Methods:o Field observationo Transect walk: Transects will be laid out focusing major ecosystems and hotspotso Focus group discussiono Participatory mapping
Note:• List all wild, domesticated and aquatic fauna (anima, bird and insect)• Indicate major habitats and also note their status• Faeces, footprint, sound, etc. will be taken as reference for the recording of fauna in the
forest, pasture and wetland• Note the local people’s perception about change in faunal population in the VDC
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Biodiversity Resource Inventory: Ecosystem Assessment of Bhadaure Tamagi VDC, Kaski
Annex 5: Checklist Used for Anthropogenic Pressure andNatural Hazard Related Information Collection
Methods:• Field observation• Transect walk• Focus group discussion• Participatory mapping
Anthropogenic pressure• Over grazing• Landslide• Fire• Illegal felling• Hunting/poaching• Abandoned land
Note:• Note coverage of each pressure, frequency of occurrence and area• Participatory mapping of anthropogenic pressure and natural hazard• Note the local people’s perception about change in anthropogenic pressure and natural
hazard incidences in the VDC
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Annex 6: List of Sample Point Covered as Universe for ForestResource Inventory
S.No. Plot No Easting Northing Forest type Remarks
1 101 775859 3129989 Deciduous Mixed Broad-leaved forest Not considered for analysis