Browsing by Subject "Environmental factors"
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Item Ant Diversity along an Elevational Gradient in Champadevi Hill,Central Nepal(Department of Zoology, 2020) Pokhrel, Prakash RajNepal is characterised by high floral and faunal diversity but there are limited studies about ants. The present study is aimed at exploring the ant diversity along an elevational gradient (from 1450 m to 2452 m) in the north and south slopes of Champadevi hill, central Nepal. Ant samples were collected by using pitfall traps and all-out-search methods from spring to autumn in 2017. To find the determinant relationship between ant species richness and environmental variables (elevation, seasons, aspect, disturbance and vegetation canopy), a generalized linear model (GLM) with Poisson distribution and log link function was used. Multivariate tests for the composition of ant communities were carried using a unimodal technique known as Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA). Six subfamilies and 33 genera were recorded from the study. Species richness decreased with increasing elevation. The species richness was maximum during spring season (n=12) than in autumn season (n=5) and it was higher in the northern aspect (n=29) than the southern aspect (n=25). Ant composition was affected by elevation (p=0.004), seasons (p=0.002) and aspect (p=0.002). Disturbance (p=0.054) and canopy cover (p=0.180) do not show a significant effect on composition. Amblyopone and Ponera were found as new genera to Nepal. The high diversity of ants in our study area showed that the systematic study could lead to the recording of more species in Nepal.Item Bird diversity along the elevation gratlient in the Alital area, Dadeldhura, Nepal(Department of Zoology, 2023) Singh, Kuber BahadurNepal supports large number birds and other biota over a wide elevation range. However mid-elevation consists of higher species richness in Nepal. The aim of the study was to explore the avian diversity along elevation gradient in Alital area, Dadeldhura, Nepal. The study was carried out in 16 sampling station ranging from 500 m to 2,000 m elevation above sea level with interval of 100 m each. Fixed point count method in 40 m circular radius was used for bird sampling. Various environmental factors like canopy cover, distance to settlement, distance to water source, distance to agriculture area, distance to road, distance to forest and number of fruiting trees were measured to evaluate their effects on species richness of birds along the elevation gradients. A quadrat of 10 m × 10 m was used for counting trees inside the circular bird counting plot in each elevation gradient. DBH > 1.3 m was considered as tree. Canopy cover was measured by using densiometer. Distances from centre of the circular counting plot to variables; distance to water source, forest, settlement and road were measured in study area map by using QGIS tool. A total of 2,204 individuals of 114 species from 47 families of 14 orders were recorded. The Shannon - Weinner index revealed that the diversified bird population (H’=2.498). The Muscicapidae family had higher abundance than other families. Similarly, species richness was observed with a decreasing trend with increased elevations. Insectivorous bird species were recorded in higher species number with decreasing pattern along the elevation gradient. To observe relationship of different factors like canopy cover, distance to water source, distance to agriculture area, distance to settlement, distance to forest and fruiting trees with species richness, the GLM (Generalized Linear Model) with poisson distribution was used. Species richness showed the significant relationship with distance to a water source, distance to agriculture area. Likewise, insectivorous and carnivorous species richness showed significant relationship with distance to agriculture area. Granivorous species richness had only showed significant relationship with canopy cover, whereas omnivorous and frugivorous species richness had not showed any significant relationship with any of the variables.Item Diversity and distribution of birds along an elevation gradient in Makwanpur district, Nepal(Department of Zoology, 2022) Giri, Hari SharanThe purpose of this research was to investigate the variety, distribution, and associated characteristics along an elevation gradient of the Makawanpur District, Nepal. The field survey was conducted throughout the winter season (December–February, 2021). For every 100 m elevation gain, the point count method (radius=50 m) was used. Bird abundance, bird species, and environmental variables were evaluated, and diversity indices were computed. The generalized linear model was used to investigate the role of environmental factors in shaping the species richness pattern. Within the study area, 22 sampling plots were established ranging in elevation from 431 m (Hetauda) to 2503 m (Simbhanjyang). Data on variables such as the number of fruiting trees as a proxy for resource availability, distance to road, and distance to the village as proxies for disturbance, and habitat types were gathered and analyzed. A total of 1824 birds from 172 species were counted. The Shannon diversity index (H'=4.553) and the evenness index (e=0.551) indicated a diverse assemblage of avian fauna in the study area. The order Passeriformes and the Muscicapidae family have the highest species richness. The majority of the 172 bird species were residents (74%), followed by winter migrants (21%), and the remaining 5% were summer migrants. Bird species were more diversified in Riverbank areas than in agricultural and Forest habitats. The quantity of fruiting trees and the gradient of altitude had a substantial impact on the richness of bird species. The richness of large range resident bird species was favorably connected with the quantity of fruiting trees and forest environment, although it decreased with increasing distance to road and altitude. However, small-ranged and insectivorous birds were strong influence by Elevation gradients only. The research that diversified bird species and their associations with many factors require a more detailed survey to investigate more species as well as other patterns and processes throughout the elevational gradient.Item Nature Vs Culture: Questioning Nature Exploitation in Mishra’s The Soul of the Rhino(Department of English, 2018) Maharjan, AmirThis thesis focuses on studying a relation between human and nature on a memoir by Hemanta Mishra’s The Soul of the Rhino. It explores how human actions are responsible for the destruction of the prime habitat for ‘one horned rhino’ in Chitwan, Nepal, in particular and bias nature of human constructed culture regarding the protection of animal and nature. This thesis tries to uncovered the human stereotypenotion that certain person, group, and countries have reserved all the rights to exploit over others including nature on the basis of power. In the book, Mishra provides details how animals have been exploited by humans throughout the history based on his experience working for the protection of one of the endangered species in this nature. While studying the animals, this research also tries to explore identity of women in patriarchy society as well as people in power dominated society in parallel relation with animals using the of eco-feminist and eco-Marxist. Humans have created conflict not just between human and nature but within human race on the basis of power which later becomes the criteria for the superiority. Also, development planned created in the vacuum is equally responsible for the exploitation of nature besides growing the human population.Item Prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis in early school aged children in relation to socio-economic factors in Bharatpur Municipality, Nepal(Department of Zoology, 2008) Pandit, Ishwar RajThe present study was conducted to assess the prevalence of pinworm among the early school aged children inhabiting the Bharatpur Municipality. An active detection was made by collecting 163 samples from early school aged children at different schools during the study period, by microscopic examination of stool and scotch tape method. Besides this, structured questionnaires were administered to assess the socio-economic status and the environmental aspects in relation to the pinworm. Out of 163 samples collected, 9 samples were positive for the pinworm infestation. There is a significant difference among frequencies of positive & negative rates of Enterobiasis. (c2 = 98.53; df = 1; and at 0.05 significant level). Similarly in relation to sex, the positivity rate was 5.20% in males and 5.97% in females. The distributions of pinworm among the children were found to be significant according to their age (c2 = 2.35; df = 3; and at 0.05 significant level). The prevalence of pinworm showed no significant differences in relation to father’s occupation, size of family members, economic status of the family, the mother’s literacy rate. Occupation wise prevalence was found to be highest in the kids of labours (13.04%) followed by farmer’s (2.43%) and jobholder’s (12.12%). In relation to environmental aspects pinworm infection was common in children who used to bite nail frequently (20%) followed by having worms in their stools (13.33%), itching anus (11.11%) and in those who used to grind teeth (10%). The distribution of pinworm among the children was found to be significant according to the environmental aspect (Attitude & Practice). (c2 = 1.586; df = 3; and at 0.05 significant level). Statically difference was found between the prevalence rates of pinworm in the habit of trimming nails. (c2 = 9.221; df = 3; and at 0.05 significant level). The prevalence of pinworm showed no significant differences as per the bathing (c2 = 1.221; df = 3; and at 0.05 significant level) and the children using other garments or underwear. (c2 = 0.666; df = 2; and at 0.05 significant level). Based on the present study; biological, physical and socio-economic measures are recommended for the effective control of pinworm in the study area.Item Spatiotemporal of fish assemblage structure Pathariya river of Kalali district, Farwestren Nepal(Department of Zoology, 2019) Neupane, Netra PrasadThe spatial and temporal variations of the fish assemblages in Pathariya River, Western Nepal is poorly understood. To examine the fish assemblage structure, fish samples were collected in seasonal basis from four sites of the river by using cast net and gill net. A total of 407 individuals belonging to 4 orders, 8 families, 16 genera and 25 species were collected from Malbhanga, Thakurwdara, Sonalipur and Dhunganatol of Pathariya River. Majority of the fishes belonged to the family Cyprinidae (53.56 followed by Bagridae (17.44, Mastacembelidae (11.31 Channidae (8.11, Cobitidae (5.65, Claridae (1.72, Nandidae (1.47 and Siluridae (0.74. The most abundant species were untus tcto untus sohore, and Mystus tengra The highest diversity index (2.96 and species richness (22 of fish were recorded from station D (Dhunganatol in autumn season (September. Lowest diversity index (1.67 and species richness (6 were found in station A (Malbhanga during the spring season (March. The redundancy analysis (RDA revealed significant correlations between fish assemblage and environmental variables The environmental variables such as transparency, dissolved oxygen, pH, hardness, velocity, and temperature were most strongly correlated with the fish community composition. The difference in fish assemblage structure and diversity in Pathariya River are probably related to habitat type, altitude, season, several environmental factors and anthropogenic activities.Item Species richness patterns along altitudinal gradient in Manaslu Conservation Area, Central Nepal’(Department of Botany, 2011) Chhetri, RitaSpecies richness is currently the most widely used measure of diversity which is assumed as a simple and easily interpretable indicator of biological diversity. The present study was carried out in Manaslu Conservation Area, namely two VDCs Samagaun and Lho. The study addresses the plant species richness patterns, floristic composition and distribution as well as a comprehensive series of environmental factors affecting the vegetation of the area. A total of 70 plots of 10 m x 10 m each were laid from the altitude of 3000 m to 4400 m in different habitat types with in an interval of 100 m altitudinal band. Five subplots were laid in each altitudinal band. All the flowering plants species present in each plot were documented. Moisture, pH, aspect, latitude, longitude and altitude of each plot were recorded. The flowering plants were further classified into various lifeforms as dicots, monocots, gymnosperm, woody and herbs and their altitudinal range were also computed from Press et al., (2000) for interpolated empirical richness. Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) was used to analyse the distribution and abundance of the species with respect to altitude. A Generalized Linear Model (GLM) along with quasi-Poisson error distribution and F-test statistics was used to evaluate the richness pattern along the altitudinal gradient. The patterns of richness were interpreted with relation to altitude, soil moisture and pH. A total of 161 species were recorded, representing 124 dicots, 24 monocots and 10 gymnosperms. Dicots (124 species) were found dominant over the monocots (24 species). Similarly, herbaceous species (114 species) dominated the woody species (47 species).Total species density varied from 29 to 62 within the sampling plots. A unimodal relationship between diversity pattern and altitude was the most common pattern observed. Species density of dicots, monocots and herbs showed a unimodal pattern when regressed against altitude while woody species and gymnosperms decreased linearly with altitude. The species richness (except woody species, which showed linear decrease) and interpolated empirical richness of all the life forms showed a unimodal pattern with altitude. A positive linear pattern was observed when moisture and pH were regressed against altitude. No significant relationship was found between the species density and RRI. The environmental variables play significant role to explain the species richness patterns. Therefore, these do affect the patterns, composition and distribution of plant species.Item Unfolding the Reality of Low Achievement in Mathematics(Department of Mathematics Education, 2015) Adhikari, AnjilaThe topic of the study is "Unfolding the reality of low achievement in mathematics". This study focuses on the causes of low achievement in mathematics. The main objective of this study was to explore and focus the factors that bring low achievement in mathematics. To fulfill the intended objectives of the study, the researcher had developed the conceptual understanding of the study which was the theoretical framework for this study.The theoretical framework of the study covered home related factors, student related factors and school related factors, having three sub factors of each those factors. Data analysis and interpretation was done on the basis of theoretical frame work developed by the researcher in literature review altogether. This was case study research having qualitative and descriptive nature. Among all schools from Kathmandu district, only one school was chosen purposively. Finally, from total students of Grade VII four students (1 boy and 3 girls) were selected for the case study on the basis of mathematics score obtained by the students in the test taken by the school. Tools for the data collection were interview schedules, observation form and written documents. Face to face interview was carried outwith students, parents, mathematics teacher &head teacher and classroom observation was done. The collected information was analyzed descriptively according to the constructivism theory. This study showed different causes of low achievement in mathematics. They were less participatory classes, poor teacher-student relationship, improper feedback system, poor financial condition of the parents, occupational factor and parent's low education level. v