Ecological Status of Prioritized Non-Timber Forest Products in Machhapuchhre Rural Muncipality of Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal

Abstract

Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) have been extensively used since long ago when the human life started. Developing countries can benefit largely from the employment and income generation from NTFPs and this holds the potential to alleviate rural poverty. Therefore, proper knowledge on resources management, production of NTFPs and its derivatives in rural areas of Nepal can be helpful to alleviate poverty by creating income generating opportunities locally, and enhance socioecological prosperity if appropriate policies and programs are undertaken carefully. This study was carried out in the Machhapuchhre Rural municipality of Annapurna conservation area. The study is focused on documenting and assessing the ecological status (Diversity, Distribution, Relative requency, Population density, Relative density, Abundance) of most prioritized NTFPs in the study area. In order to achieve objective total 105 plots of 314 m² were sampled in seven different sites up to 3000m asl and additional methods such as focus group discussion, informal questionnaire survey and preference ranking also applied for data collection. Total 50 species of NTFP were recorded belonging to 40 various family and majority of them were recorded in 1000-1500 masl. Among those species most of the species were herbs and used for medicinal and edible purpose. Ecological status, important value index and diversity index of ten most preferred species form each seven site were assessed as well. In addition, existing resource management practice on the Machhapuchhre rural Municipality were also studied. Findings from this study can be useful in understanding abundance and distribution of NTFP species which are essential to formulate, educate and implement conservation regulations for sustainable management.