Browsing by Subject "Threats"
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Item Assessment of Conservation Threats of Snow Leopard in The Manaslu Conservation Area, Nepal(central Department of Rural Development Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, 2017) Bhattarai, Nowal KishoreSnow leopard (Panthera uncia) is the topmost predator of the remote Himalayan regions of the Central Asia. The species is categorized as threatened by IUCN due to its declining population. This study aims to assess the human-snow leopard conflict and determine the threats to snow leopard population in Manslu Conservation Area (MCA) and suggest suitable conservation strategies. The study was carried out in Samdo village, Samagaun VDC, Manaslu Conservation Area. Census survey was carried out using well designed sets of questionnaire in each household along with key informant interview (KII) method to collect the primary data required to meet the set objectives. Predation from snow leopards and accidents (39.39% each) were the major cause for mortality of the domestic livestock. The average loss of livestock from snow leopard predation was calculated to be 0.36 individuals per household and yak was only the livestock which was attacked and killed by the snow leopards. There were no compensation schemes for the livestock lost from predation by snow leopards at the time of study. Almost one-third of the local people showed negative attitude towards snow leopard due to predation on their livestock. Majority of local people were unaware of the legal wildlife protection of wildlife. The villagers do not involve in any hunting activities as they are all Buddhists and their religious and cultural beliefs does not allow them to participate in killing activities. The presence of stray dogs, declination in population of blue sheep which is the principal prey species of snow leopards in the study area and lack of conservation knowledge of the local people of Samdo village were identified as the major threats to snow leopard population. Based on the findings, the study recommends for establishment of Snow Leopard Conservation Committee to initiate compensation schemes for the local herders as soon as possible to minimize the human-snow leopard conflict. Furthermore, effective conservation strategies can be established based on the threats assessed to the snow leopard population in the study area.Item Habitat Assessment, Behavior and Conservation Practices of Sarus Crane (Antigone antigone Linnaeus, 1758) in Lumbini Important Birds and Biodiversity Area, Nepal(Department of Zoology, 2017) Duwal, RabitaThe present study was carried out on Sarus Crane (Antigone anitigone) to know the current population status, their habitat, behavior and the conservation practices used by local people in Lumbini IBA. Road transect method was used to count the Sarus Crane population. The survey was carried out on July and August, 2017. Total 127 transects having length 5km each were surveyed covering cropland and wetland of Lumbini IBA. Habitat parameters were determined by measuring the distance of nest from water source, road, forest and resident area using Google Earth Pro. Climatic-parameter (mean temperature and relative humidity) were determined from EasyLog USB data loggers. Similarly, water parameter of nesting sites were recorded from alcohol-thermometer and pH meter respectively. Behavior was studied by focal scan sampling method observing two pairs of Sarus Crane, a pair in wetland and other pair in cropland for four days. Conservation practices and threats to Sarus Crane were carried out by household questionnaire survey in Bishnupura VDC. Total 180 Sarus Cranes were recorded including 88 pairs of male and female and four undistinguished. Among them 146 Sarus Cranes were recorded in cropland and only 34 in wetland. Significance difference (Fratio= 5.198, d.f.= 1, 64; P-value = 0.026) was found in site utilization by Sarus Crane. Maximum (36.67%) Sarus Cranes were found in Lumbini Sanskritik Nagarpalika and least (2.22%) in Sammarimai Gaunpalika. Uniform distribution of Sarus Crane was found with the density 0.285/km 2 area. No Sarus Crane was observed in Pakadisakron, Betakuiya,Titrirkhi and Asurena. Total of 12 nests were recorded out of which maximum nests (n=8) were in cropland and minimum (n=4) in wetland. Altogether, 17 eggs were recorded in 12 nests. Two eggs were recorded in five nests whereas only one egg was recorded in seven nests. Majority (24.80%) of Sarus Cranes were observed sitting on nest, and least (0.21%) running behavior was recorded during the study period. There was no significant difference (Fratio=1.1658, d.f.=1, 27; P-value=0.344) in the behavior of Sarus Crane on wetland and cropland. Positive correlation was found between behavior pattern of male and female. Most of the respondent (68%) agreed with no change in population of Sarus Crane in the area and 94% respondents showed positive attitude toward Sarus Crane conservation. Harassment, destruction of nests, destruction of eggs, stealing of eggs, and wetland damage were observed as existing major threats to Sarus Crane in the study area. Key words: Conservation, Lumbini IBA, Sarus Crane, threats, vulnerableItem Population Status and Conservation Threats to Assamese Macaque (Macaca Assamensis M’clelland, 1840) in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, Nepal(Central Department of Zoology, 2018) Thapa, PramodSystematic studies of less common primate species Assamese macaque is rare in Nepal, so to explore the population dynamics and threats to the macaque this study was carried out in the Nagarjun Forest of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park (SNNP) from August 2017 to July 2018. A total of 145 Assamese macaques (Macaca assamensis) were encountered in 7 groups within the total area surveyed of 16 km² in Nagarjun Forest of SNNP by head count or direct count method. The group density was found to be 0.4375 groups/km² with a crude (population) density of 9.0625 individuals/ km² and a mean group size of 20.7142 individuals, range 11-41 individuals. Age-sex composition of macaque comprised 18.621% adult males, 24.138% adult females, 13.793% sub adult male, 11.034% young female, 9.655% Juvenile male, 11.724% juvenile female and 11.034% were infants in the study area. The adult sex ratio and the recruitment rate were found to be 0.771:100 (77male per 100 females) and 2.187:1 (218 female per 100 infant) respectively. Total 16 Quadrate of 20x20m, 44 plant species with 376 number were recorded from Nagarjun forest. This study revealed that Chilaune (Schima wallichii) is the dominant plant species with relative density 10.37% and relative frequency 8.27% followed by Musure kattus (Castonopsis tribuloides) with relative density 9.30% and relative frequency 7.51%. In the two buffer zone VDCs of Nagarjun forest, questionnaire survey was conducted to the local people who are directly involved in agriculture and reported crop raiding as the major problem. Crop mostly preferred includes maize (53.17%), Wheat (15.6%), Millet (7.33%), Paddy (11.93%), Vegetables (7.56%) and Fruits (4.41%). To protect crop fields, local peoples used patrolling and guarding the fields (42%), Tin-box and throwing stone with “Catapult” (13%), using dogs (11%), shouting and chasing (24%), and other methods like fencing with thorny twigs, trapping and caging, scarecrows etc. (10%) were used. Only 15% of the respondents approved that monkeys should be conserved, a majority of 85% don’t feel that it is necessary to conserve the animal. Majority, 52% of local respondent agreed with retaliatory killing was the major threats to monkey, meanwhile 13% agreed with encroachment, 12% habitat destruction, 6% forest fire, 8% disease and 9% respondents stated they have no idea about the threats to monkey. Most of the local peoples (49%), suggested proper monetary compensation is appropriate for the reduction of intensity of conflict, 21% of people said that they should be killed, 19% of total respondents stated that translocation of monkey is another remedial measure. Patrolling and guarding of the crop field by security personnel (Army, Armed Police force) on the regular basis, was suggested by 6% and 5% of respondents didn’t have any suggestion to give. Key words: Assamese monkey, Crop damage, Nagarjun forest, Population distribution, Threats, Vegetation.Item Security Issues, Problems And Challenges Of Nepal As A Small State(Department Of International Relation & Diplomacy, 2020-06) Khadka, BirochanSmall states face serious security threats because of assorted reasons. These states are dependent on others for economy and security, which make them more vulnerable than other states. Landlocked between India and China, those are widely considered as the two major rising powers in the international arena, Nepal is viewed by many commentators as a small state situated between two geographically, demographically and economically giant neighbors. Interestingly, notwithstanding its smallness, Nepal is also perceived as a geopolitically important country in the region owing to its geostrategic location. In light of this reality, this dissertation primarily aims to assess the security situation of Nepal as a small state that occupies a strategically important place in the northern South Asian region. The research aims to look into three main issues. Firstly, it aims to elucidate the concept of small state to show that Nepal is a small state; secondly, it delves into exploring the security challenges that Nepal faces as a small state and; finally, the research seeks to offer possible measures to address the challenges, if there are any. With the realization that there exists limited research regarding security threats to Nepal in the changed global and regional security realm, this research attempts to address the same limitation. Methodologically, the research has employed a qualitative research design and adopted descriptive method to compare relevant texts, analyze governmental reports published by Nepali governmental agencies and also used a argumentative framework to make a strong case that Nepal faces unique challenges as a small state situated between India and China. The dissertation highlights how small states like Nepal are compelled to refrain from aggression even at critical times and maintain a fine balance in diplomatic relations with neighbors and other friendly nation to cope with geopolitical challenges and ensure sustainable national and regional peace. The dissertation finds that in Nepal, rather than traditional security threats, non-traditional security threats have started posing greater challenge to national security. It reaches to a conclusion that Nepal must focus on enhancing its position through soft power and diplomacy rather than other measures to continue enjoying its dignified place as a sovereign nation in the international community.Item Wetland birds community of beeshazari and associated lakes Ramsar site, chitwan(Department of Zoology, 2010) Subedi, Dan KumarWetland birds are the indicator of wetland habitat. The study entitled “WETLAND BIRDS COMMUNITY OF BEESHAZARI AND ASSOCIATED LAKES RAMSAR SITE, CHITWAN” was carried out during the period of October 2007 to July 2008 to assess seasonal diversity, habitat association and conservation threats. The direct count method using vantage points (n=15) was done to asses the species richness. Questionnaire survey was done to collect primary field data related to threats. Diversity data were analysed in terms Shanon’s index of diversity, Sorenson’s smilarity index and Chi Square test was employed to test the divesity of birds in different season. The secondary information was collected through literature. During the study period 19 species of bird representing 11 families and 3 orders were recorded. The highest number individuals of birds were recorded in the winter season (345) and followed by autumn season (167). The diversity of birds was found highest in winter (1.806) in Beesh Hazari Taal but in its associated lakes diversity was highest in summer (1.92). The similarity index was 64.28 between Beesh Hazari and its associated lakes. The result showed that the species richness was not affected by seasons. Carnivores represented highest number of bird species followed by piscivores. Most of the wetland species were found in perennial lake than in seasonal marshes. Major conservation threats found were human pressure, siltation and sedimentation, fishing and poisoning, tourism and tourist activities and invasive alien’s species. Restoration of the wetland habitat must be done by irrigation and awarering the people about the importance of wetland is crucial for conservation. Key words: Wetland birds, diversity, habitat, threats