PHULCHOKI, Birds and Butterflies
The total area solely occupied by the forest only has been estimated at 1300 hectares approximately, but yet despite its relatively small size, it is still a paradise for birds and birders. With 264 species already recorded for Phulchowki, the list can still increase. Bird watching has been done along the roadside and along the trails. Phulchowki still has a large portion of forest hidden behind the summit. This area is difficult to reach because trails are few and the detours are very long. Serious birders would need a few days extra to venture out into this little visited territory. Basically, with the mountains to the north and the terai to the south, the Mahabharat range falls in between, a unique conjunction to the Palearctic North and the Oriental South. Hence, Phulchowki, being a part of the Mahabharat range, plays an important role for the migrating and wintering birds. Eighty six species of such birds have been recorded here. Many rare resident birds are also found here. The Nepal Parrotbill is a small and shy bird. What makes this even more difficult to spot is that it stays inside the dense bamboo (Arundinaria species). In 1996, a lot of these bamboos flowered and eventually died. As to what extent the Parrotbills have been affected, we do not know. Another rare and shy bird is the Spiny Babbler. Besides looking out for the rare ones, watching the common ones can also be fun. The Racket-Tailed Drongo is an uncommon sighting here despite the fact that it may be common elsewhere. The Green-Billed Malkoha is another rare sighting though it may not be rare. For beginners and professional birders alike, Phulchowki is one compact location for enjoying, learning, and appreciating its avifauna in any of its seasons.
For those who have developed a keen eye for butterflies, Phulchowki will not let you down, as this is one of the best places in Nepal for them. According to their seasons, these beautiful insects emerge to beautify and pollinate the forest. Of course, some are food for the birds, all small parts in the totality of nature. The usual practice of catching and collecting to identify the butterflies is not necessary for the larger species. A not too powerful binoculars is a very good tool to observe them. May is the best month to see some of the spectacular ones. If by any chance you are up at the summit early in the morning, you may see a large rich green butterfly flitting about unconcernedly and occasionally settling down among the rocks or on the leaves of the trees. You are lucky because you are seeing a very rare butterfly, the Kaiser-i-hind (T. imperialis), an enigma. Once this butterfly has emerged from its cocoon , it never feeds. It only flies up on ridges from 8:00 a.m. onwards in an obvious quest, waiting for females to pass by. If it has not been successful by 11:00 a.m., it heads back down into the forest to try again the next day, if it has survived to see another day. Another beautiful butterfly that flies along the top and ridges is the Blue Peacock (P. arcturus). But down below at the base, where the water is, is where most of the butterflies are. Dry seasons are very good for observing them. Most of them come to suck the moisture from the ground and some are so engrossed in feeding that you can actually pick them up by hand! However, the present status of the exact number of species is yet to be determined. The total had nearly reached 300, but due to the wide destruction of the forest in the past, the number of plant species has come down, and along with it, the butterflies as well. A further detailed study is imperative to get a clearer picture of their present status.
Phulchowki is still a dynamic forest, throbbing with life and vigor. For it to continue to remain so, the people living on the base of this magnificent hill should take it upon their shoulders for the preservation and ensuring its continuity as a little hilly paradise!
Articles By Rashmi Dahal with active help from Mahendra Sing Limbu
September 7, 2010
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
NEPAL NATURE(9)
PHULCHOKI-3 Some mammals
Phulchowki is the home of many mammals, some common , others mostly rare. The Hill Leopards are rare and seldom seen. Their guttural sawing calls in the night during the mating seasons notify their presence in the forest. Occasionally they make off with a local goat or a stray dog, but their negative impact to the humans is insignificant.
The Himalayan Black Bear is another extremely rare animal of Phulchowki. Unfortunately, it may have disappeared from this part of the hills. The last one seen was 7 years ago. And sadly, it was a dead specimen and in a highly decomposed state. The rare pangolin (also known as the scaly anteater) is another animal that not many locals are even aware of. Due to its nocturnal habits only a few number of people can tell you that the mysterious large, deep holes in forestfloors are the works of this scaly animal. The Flying Squirrel is another nocturnal animal which does not fly, but glides very gracefully from tree to tree. On the ground, it is a helpless animal. It cannot run, but jumps in a comical short ‘U’ arches until it reaches the foot of a tree on which it can scamper up to safety. Another animal that may have also disappeared is the Thar. The last known one was seen more than 10 years ago. Its arrival to Phulchowki (so the story goes) was from the yonder ranges of the Mahabharat, the continuation of Phulchowki ridge that zigzags eastwards. Unfortunately, it was shot (so the story further goes). The hill jackals, though few, are around, but its cousin the wolf is only left in the memory of old timers. An animal that has made a mysterious comeback is none other than the hardy wild boar! Even the eldest members of Godavari can only tell you that they had only heard stories of these animals through their grandfathers. But that these animals did exist here in the bygone days is a fact.
A corner portion of the ravine beyond the Paanch Dhara ridge is called ‘Sungure’, denoting the place where pigs were once found! But getting back to our story, these members of the Suiidae family also must have come from the yonder ranges! Like the Kaalij, these animals also raid the fields of the villagers, especially when the corn is juicy. If you ever come across some ploughed tracts of junglefloor, you can be sure that the tough but sensitive snouts of these boars were only doing what they were meant to do, looking for food. It has been several years now since they first came to the attention of the people and happily, they are now firmly established as part of the Phulchowki eco-chain.
Other interesting mammals also have their homes in this forest: the Indian hare, Yellow Throated Marten, Indian Civet Cat, porcupines, and many more. Hopefully with the protection given to the forest, these animals will have a chance for a better and secure future.
Phulchowki is the home of many mammals, some common , others mostly rare. The Hill Leopards are rare and seldom seen. Their guttural sawing calls in the night during the mating seasons notify their presence in the forest. Occasionally they make off with a local goat or a stray dog, but their negative impact to the humans is insignificant.
The Himalayan Black Bear is another extremely rare animal of Phulchowki. Unfortunately, it may have disappeared from this part of the hills. The last one seen was 7 years ago. And sadly, it was a dead specimen and in a highly decomposed state. The rare pangolin (also known as the scaly anteater) is another animal that not many locals are even aware of. Due to its nocturnal habits only a few number of people can tell you that the mysterious large, deep holes in forestfloors are the works of this scaly animal. The Flying Squirrel is another nocturnal animal which does not fly, but glides very gracefully from tree to tree. On the ground, it is a helpless animal. It cannot run, but jumps in a comical short ‘U’ arches until it reaches the foot of a tree on which it can scamper up to safety. Another animal that may have also disappeared is the Thar. The last known one was seen more than 10 years ago. Its arrival to Phulchowki (so the story goes) was from the yonder ranges of the Mahabharat, the continuation of Phulchowki ridge that zigzags eastwards. Unfortunately, it was shot (so the story further goes). The hill jackals, though few, are around, but its cousin the wolf is only left in the memory of old timers. An animal that has made a mysterious comeback is none other than the hardy wild boar! Even the eldest members of Godavari can only tell you that they had only heard stories of these animals through their grandfathers. But that these animals did exist here in the bygone days is a fact.
A corner portion of the ravine beyond the Paanch Dhara ridge is called ‘Sungure’, denoting the place where pigs were once found! But getting back to our story, these members of the Suiidae family also must have come from the yonder ranges! Like the Kaalij, these animals also raid the fields of the villagers, especially when the corn is juicy. If you ever come across some ploughed tracts of junglefloor, you can be sure that the tough but sensitive snouts of these boars were only doing what they were meant to do, looking for food. It has been several years now since they first came to the attention of the people and happily, they are now firmly established as part of the Phulchowki eco-chain.
Other interesting mammals also have their homes in this forest: the Indian hare, Yellow Throated Marten, Indian Civet Cat, porcupines, and many more. Hopefully with the protection given to the forest, these animals will have a chance for a better and secure future.
NEPAL NATURE(8)
PHULCHOKI, Make it a Reserve
A decade and half ago, it seemed as if Phulchowki was on the verge of no return. The drilling and blasting at the Marble Quarry, the reckless felling of trees for wood and fodder, indiscriminate shooting of innocent wildlife, intentional forest fires in the dry season, irresponsible picnickers littering the trail and roadside, charcoal burners, and scores of other tidbits of human activities had almost ensured that Phulchowki would be reduced to a desert of shrubs and weeds! The rescue came in 1995. The Nepal Government finally gave a big chunk of the Phulchowki jungle to the safekeeping of those who once freely helped themselves to the riches of the forest. As a result, it has been guarded quite zealously by the communities of the many villages of Godavari. Each village ward has been designated a certain tract of the forest to protect and care for. It is heartening to note that the result is very commendable.
The choking growth of the forest is periodically cleared by some of the more responsible caretakers. The dead wood can be collected once a year by the villagers for a nominal fee of Rs. 5/- per load. Guards, locals locally selected, prowl through the jungle to dissuade people from the tempting use of the axe. The success is, indeed, laudable. However, the tract of the forest thus protected is below the halfway point of Phulchowki. As a result, a lot of illegal activities are still being perpetrated up there while some forms of poaching and pilfering continue unabated, despite good protection, in the lower areas. Marble quarry was certainly a big contributor to the degradation of the forest. Annihilating an irreplaceable portion of the forest just to get at the rocks below is a disheartening theme to speculate on. A proper geological survey in Nepal would certainly reveal good sources of lime rocks elsewhere that would have a minimal impact on the environment when quarrying! Just fortunately, it is no longer functioning as a mining company, thanks to the politicians who cut the goose that was laying golden eggs for them.
The government needs to think very seriously for the future well being of Phulchowki and its denizens. There are still problems such as littering (plastics) by revelers, poaching of pheasants and larger herbivores, and though not seen as a threat, the diversion of water from their sources for household uses. Phulchowki needs to be recognized as a reserve!
A decade and half ago, it seemed as if Phulchowki was on the verge of no return. The drilling and blasting at the Marble Quarry, the reckless felling of trees for wood and fodder, indiscriminate shooting of innocent wildlife, intentional forest fires in the dry season, irresponsible picnickers littering the trail and roadside, charcoal burners, and scores of other tidbits of human activities had almost ensured that Phulchowki would be reduced to a desert of shrubs and weeds! The rescue came in 1995. The Nepal Government finally gave a big chunk of the Phulchowki jungle to the safekeeping of those who once freely helped themselves to the riches of the forest. As a result, it has been guarded quite zealously by the communities of the many villages of Godavari. Each village ward has been designated a certain tract of the forest to protect and care for. It is heartening to note that the result is very commendable.
The choking growth of the forest is periodically cleared by some of the more responsible caretakers. The dead wood can be collected once a year by the villagers for a nominal fee of Rs. 5/- per load. Guards, locals locally selected, prowl through the jungle to dissuade people from the tempting use of the axe. The success is, indeed, laudable. However, the tract of the forest thus protected is below the halfway point of Phulchowki. As a result, a lot of illegal activities are still being perpetrated up there while some forms of poaching and pilfering continue unabated, despite good protection, in the lower areas. Marble quarry was certainly a big contributor to the degradation of the forest. Annihilating an irreplaceable portion of the forest just to get at the rocks below is a disheartening theme to speculate on. A proper geological survey in Nepal would certainly reveal good sources of lime rocks elsewhere that would have a minimal impact on the environment when quarrying! Just fortunately, it is no longer functioning as a mining company, thanks to the politicians who cut the goose that was laying golden eggs for them.
The government needs to think very seriously for the future well being of Phulchowki and its denizens. There are still problems such as littering (plastics) by revelers, poaching of pheasants and larger herbivores, and though not seen as a threat, the diversion of water from their sources for household uses. Phulchowki needs to be recognized as a reserve!
NEPAL NATURE (7)
PHULCHOKI, A Little Hilly Paradise
Where would one go in Nepal to find a total of 264 species of birds in one forest? And where would one find an even larger number of species of butterflies in exactly the same place? And where could one go within an hour away from the busy humdrum of the city for a quiet relaxing moment to commune with the peace and tranquility of nature? Obviously, such a single place with all these qualities seems almost nonexistent; but then, for the fortunate people living in the capital, such a paradise exists just 15 km. due southeast of Kathmandu. With its rich diversity in vegetation as well, it is aptly named Phulchowki, the residence of flowers!
Snugly nestled at the foot of this hill is Godavari, a name of a flower, the Chrysanthemum. Godavari is a cumulative name for the many smaller villages at the foot of this hill. The credit for its survival can be directly attributed to Phulchowki. The key note is water. With an average rainfall of 76” per year, much of the monsoon rain percolates deep into the heart of the hill and by the time it has reached its exit at the base of the hill, it is cool and crystal clear. There are many such exits, to the great delight of the many hamlets of Godavari. A short distance away, the people living in the capital face an acute shortage of drinking water! It is by virtue of water and moisture that the vegetation of Phulchowki is also rich and varied. To really appreciate what this place has to offer, a little physical exercise is necessary.
A walk in the spring time along the road that winds its way to the top is, indeed, a very rewarding experience. ‘Chilaune’ (Schima wallichi) and ‘Utis’ (Alnus nepalensis) are the dominant trees of the subtropical forest that greets the visitor as one begins the climb. The jungle is full of sights and sounds! Orchids, especially the pure white Coelogyne cristata, hang down from the trees in their fragile pureness. The trees and shrubs have already put forth their young shoots while warblers, finches, and a host of other birds dart and flit among the branches for their almost invisible food. If you walk quietly, you may hear the rustling of leaves as a covey of Kaalij that you may have unknowingly disturbed, suddenly scamper off in the undergrowth. The constant unvarying note of the Himalayan Barbet makes you wonder why such a beautiful bird has a monotonous voice while the lesser drab looking birds have beautiful songs! And for those with eyes that notice the butterflies, you might just see a rare Golden Emperor (Dilipa morgiana) that has made an early emergence, flit by you in a haste that only it can understand! As you climb the gentle turns, if you notice the mixed vegetation give way to the large ‘baanjh’ trees (Quercus lamellosa) with their pale gray patchy barks, you will know that you have already climbed up a third of the way. Some rhododendrons (R. arboreum) are still in bloom here, but mostly past their peak. The bright red blossoms being our national flower are indeed a symbolic pride for us Nepalese. Though bird life has diminished up here along with the butterflies, the Black Capped Sibia maybe your companion for quite a bit of the way with an occasional Rufous Turtle Dove foraging on the road. And with luck, one of the larger mammals, the shy muntjac or barking deer may give you a fleeting glimpse of its presence. And you will notice that eventually, even the ‘baanjh’ trees have disappeared and ‘khasru’ the hardy oak trees (Quercus semecarpifolia) become the dominant growth among the ‘Ningalo’ (Arundinaria falcata). And finally at 2,760 m. you are standing at the peak. The view of the Valley is rather poor due to the density of the Kathmandu pollution at this season. The suspension of dust and fumes often is so thick that the air appears viscous. However above the distinct layer of this pollution, the air is clean and if the sky is cloudless, you will be rewarded with a panoramic vista of the jagged snow capped Himalayas: Mt.Numbur in the Northeast to the Annapurna Range in the Northwest; all in all , it is an impressive expanse of 270 km. despite the fact that Everest, Kanchenjungha, and Makalu are not within the line of sight. It is certainly an enriching experience!
Where would one go in Nepal to find a total of 264 species of birds in one forest? And where would one find an even larger number of species of butterflies in exactly the same place? And where could one go within an hour away from the busy humdrum of the city for a quiet relaxing moment to commune with the peace and tranquility of nature? Obviously, such a single place with all these qualities seems almost nonexistent; but then, for the fortunate people living in the capital, such a paradise exists just 15 km. due southeast of Kathmandu. With its rich diversity in vegetation as well, it is aptly named Phulchowki, the residence of flowers!
Snugly nestled at the foot of this hill is Godavari, a name of a flower, the Chrysanthemum. Godavari is a cumulative name for the many smaller villages at the foot of this hill. The credit for its survival can be directly attributed to Phulchowki. The key note is water. With an average rainfall of 76” per year, much of the monsoon rain percolates deep into the heart of the hill and by the time it has reached its exit at the base of the hill, it is cool and crystal clear. There are many such exits, to the great delight of the many hamlets of Godavari. A short distance away, the people living in the capital face an acute shortage of drinking water! It is by virtue of water and moisture that the vegetation of Phulchowki is also rich and varied. To really appreciate what this place has to offer, a little physical exercise is necessary.
A walk in the spring time along the road that winds its way to the top is, indeed, a very rewarding experience. ‘Chilaune’ (Schima wallichi) and ‘Utis’ (Alnus nepalensis) are the dominant trees of the subtropical forest that greets the visitor as one begins the climb. The jungle is full of sights and sounds! Orchids, especially the pure white Coelogyne cristata, hang down from the trees in their fragile pureness. The trees and shrubs have already put forth their young shoots while warblers, finches, and a host of other birds dart and flit among the branches for their almost invisible food. If you walk quietly, you may hear the rustling of leaves as a covey of Kaalij that you may have unknowingly disturbed, suddenly scamper off in the undergrowth. The constant unvarying note of the Himalayan Barbet makes you wonder why such a beautiful bird has a monotonous voice while the lesser drab looking birds have beautiful songs! And for those with eyes that notice the butterflies, you might just see a rare Golden Emperor (Dilipa morgiana) that has made an early emergence, flit by you in a haste that only it can understand! As you climb the gentle turns, if you notice the mixed vegetation give way to the large ‘baanjh’ trees (Quercus lamellosa) with their pale gray patchy barks, you will know that you have already climbed up a third of the way. Some rhododendrons (R. arboreum) are still in bloom here, but mostly past their peak. The bright red blossoms being our national flower are indeed a symbolic pride for us Nepalese. Though bird life has diminished up here along with the butterflies, the Black Capped Sibia maybe your companion for quite a bit of the way with an occasional Rufous Turtle Dove foraging on the road. And with luck, one of the larger mammals, the shy muntjac or barking deer may give you a fleeting glimpse of its presence. And you will notice that eventually, even the ‘baanjh’ trees have disappeared and ‘khasru’ the hardy oak trees (Quercus semecarpifolia) become the dominant growth among the ‘Ningalo’ (Arundinaria falcata). And finally at 2,760 m. you are standing at the peak. The view of the Valley is rather poor due to the density of the Kathmandu pollution at this season. The suspension of dust and fumes often is so thick that the air appears viscous. However above the distinct layer of this pollution, the air is clean and if the sky is cloudless, you will be rewarded with a panoramic vista of the jagged snow capped Himalayas: Mt.Numbur in the Northeast to the Annapurna Range in the Northwest; all in all , it is an impressive expanse of 270 km. despite the fact that Everest, Kanchenjungha, and Makalu are not within the line of sight. It is certainly an enriching experience!
NEPAL NATURE(6)
MEASURES FOR THE FUTURE
Though we can boast of success stories of many of our protected areas, we must take the whole context of Nepal and ask ourselves, "Are we really succeeding, or in fact, are we losing?" The success must come from outside of protected areas as well. With population constantly increasing, the forest and natural habitats ever decreasing, plans for the future of our habitats and their occupants need to be initiated now.
The present effort of the government and different institutions and organizations are, indeed, commendable, but they have not been enough. Along with mega conservation projects, mini projects must go hand in hand. The immediate need of bringing conservation to the doorsteps of each and every home must be the goal of our conservation programs. Simple points as conservative use of water, wood, fuel, etc. go a long way in stretching our limited natural resources. Programs concerning disposal of waste at home level could greatly reduce the burden on the government. For example, households could benefit by learning how to make compost for the garden through biodegradable wastes. Vigorous and various programs creating awareness of our natural heritage among the public need to be implemented and intensified. Young children could learn through school textbooks concerning our natural heritage. Poaching, smuggling of timber, and smuggling of live animals and animal parts create a big problem for the government and are impossible to bring under control through policing only. For this problem to come under control, the people need a change in attitude. The sense of preserving nature, appreciating it and realizing its values need to be implanted in the public's mind.
If drops of water make the ocean, then, small contributions of conservative measures from every individual will help save our habitats. And saving the habitats ensures our own survival. Let us all do our own parts, be they big or small, and show that we care for life, our planet and all that is on it!
Though we can boast of success stories of many of our protected areas, we must take the whole context of Nepal and ask ourselves, "Are we really succeeding, or in fact, are we losing?" The success must come from outside of protected areas as well. With population constantly increasing, the forest and natural habitats ever decreasing, plans for the future of our habitats and their occupants need to be initiated now.
The present effort of the government and different institutions and organizations are, indeed, commendable, but they have not been enough. Along with mega conservation projects, mini projects must go hand in hand. The immediate need of bringing conservation to the doorsteps of each and every home must be the goal of our conservation programs. Simple points as conservative use of water, wood, fuel, etc. go a long way in stretching our limited natural resources. Programs concerning disposal of waste at home level could greatly reduce the burden on the government. For example, households could benefit by learning how to make compost for the garden through biodegradable wastes. Vigorous and various programs creating awareness of our natural heritage among the public need to be implemented and intensified. Young children could learn through school textbooks concerning our natural heritage. Poaching, smuggling of timber, and smuggling of live animals and animal parts create a big problem for the government and are impossible to bring under control through policing only. For this problem to come under control, the people need a change in attitude. The sense of preserving nature, appreciating it and realizing its values need to be implanted in the public's mind.
If drops of water make the ocean, then, small contributions of conservative measures from every individual will help save our habitats. And saving the habitats ensures our own survival. Let us all do our own parts, be they big or small, and show that we care for life, our planet and all that is on it!
NEPAL NATURE(5)
CHANGING ENVIRONMENT
Habitats are not stagnant. They are constantly changing. A grassland can slowly evolve into shrub land, which in turn can slowly evolve into forest cover. This succession, according to the area and type vegetation of the habitat, support appropriate herbivores, which in turn support carnivores. This food chain keeps the population in check. Hence, a proper balance is usually the end result, if man does not interfere. Therefore, in giving protection to the animals, one needs to take into consideration the carrying capacity of the habitat and the changes that are occurring within it.
This inter-relation can clearly be gleaned through the recent reports in The Kathmandu Post of the death of at least 62 rhinos within two years in Royal Chitwan National Park. Among the several reports, the March 4th report by Surendra Phuyal provides the vital clue: "Chitwan's short 'siru' grasslands have been substituted by tall grasslands in recent years. That's why more and more rhinos have been found going towards the surrounding villages, where they can graze on green crops and vegetables." This was a statement from Mr. Manandhar, former Chief Warden of Chitwan. He further stated that with tall grasses fast replacing short grasslands of the park, hardly one third of the park has appropriate habitat for rhinos. Rhinos, wandering off into agricultural land, are being killed by angry farmers and poachers. Officials state that 31 rhinos are believed to have died (unspecified) natural deaths out of which 8 died through infighting. The remaining half of the deaths can be seen as the work of humans.
It can be hinted through this report that Royal Chitwan National Park has either reached or nearing the limits of its carrying capacity of rhinos brought about by the changes in its natural feeding habitat. This report has highlighted the fact that in protecting our habitats, we need to be constantly aware of the changes occurring within it.
Habitats are not stagnant. They are constantly changing. A grassland can slowly evolve into shrub land, which in turn can slowly evolve into forest cover. This succession, according to the area and type vegetation of the habitat, support appropriate herbivores, which in turn support carnivores. This food chain keeps the population in check. Hence, a proper balance is usually the end result, if man does not interfere. Therefore, in giving protection to the animals, one needs to take into consideration the carrying capacity of the habitat and the changes that are occurring within it.
This inter-relation can clearly be gleaned through the recent reports in The Kathmandu Post of the death of at least 62 rhinos within two years in Royal Chitwan National Park. Among the several reports, the March 4th report by Surendra Phuyal provides the vital clue: "Chitwan's short 'siru' grasslands have been substituted by tall grasslands in recent years. That's why more and more rhinos have been found going towards the surrounding villages, where they can graze on green crops and vegetables." This was a statement from Mr. Manandhar, former Chief Warden of Chitwan. He further stated that with tall grasses fast replacing short grasslands of the park, hardly one third of the park has appropriate habitat for rhinos. Rhinos, wandering off into agricultural land, are being killed by angry farmers and poachers. Officials state that 31 rhinos are believed to have died (unspecified) natural deaths out of which 8 died through infighting. The remaining half of the deaths can be seen as the work of humans.
It can be hinted through this report that Royal Chitwan National Park has either reached or nearing the limits of its carrying capacity of rhinos brought about by the changes in its natural feeding habitat. This report has highlighted the fact that in protecting our habitats, we need to be constantly aware of the changes occurring within it.
NEPAL NATURE(4)
PARKS AND RESERVES
The need for firewood, the increase in population (growing at the rate of 2.37% per annum) and the ever increasing demand for agricultural land have been the major contributing factors for the depletion of Nepal forest covers. Hence, Nepal’s government has done wisely in setting aside areas for conservation of the forests and the animals in them by creating National Parks, Wildlife Reserves, Conservation Areas and Hunting Reserve.
There are eight National Parks (Royal Chitwan, Royal Bardiya, Khaptad, Rara, Shey-Phoksundo, Langtang, Sagarmatha, and Makalu-Barun), two Conservation Area Projects (Annpurna and Kanchenjungha), fNepal’s Wildlife Reserves (Koshi Tappu, Parsa, Shivapuri Watershed, and Shukla Phanta), and one Hunting Reserve (Dhorpatan). These protected areas cover 16.2% of the total area of Nepal. All of these are natural habitats except with a slight exception of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. Its natural habitat has artificially increased, an unforeseen but fortunate result of the construction of Koshi Barrage across Koshi River, in the early sixties, to control the monsoon floods in Bihar, Northern India. All of these areas have their distinctive characteristics that give them their present status. Royal Chitwan National Park is outstanding in its population of rhinos and tigers. This park alone, though only 932 sq. km, shelters nearly 600 rhinos, almost one third of the world's population. This rhino population is a success story of Chitwan for there were less than 80 rhinos in the park when it was established in 1973. Shey-Phoksundo, Nepal’s largest National Park (3,555 sq.km) with its emerald lake could harbor a fair number of the extremely rare Himalayan cat, the Snow Leopard. The population of these beautiful cats has been estimated at between 300 to 500 in Nepal. With more than 2,500 Swamp Deer (Cervus duvauceli), Shukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve, despite its relative small size of 320 sq. km., holds one of the largest population of this herd in the world. Koshi Tappu, though only 175 sq. km. but famous throughout the world for water birds, is also the home of the Wild buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Any habitat having at least 50,000 birds or holding at least 1% of the total population of the species of the world at any time of the year can be declared a Ramsar Site. Koshi Tappu was declared a Ramsar Site in 1987 by the Ramsar Bureau. However, just setting aside and providing protection to the habitats and the animals are far from sufficient.
The government of Nepal has wisely set aside these parks ensuring the survival of species and their habitats. Challenges still remain, but credit goes to those people who have had the foresight to preserve and conserve.
The need for firewood, the increase in population (growing at the rate of 2.37% per annum) and the ever increasing demand for agricultural land have been the major contributing factors for the depletion of Nepal forest covers. Hence, Nepal’s government has done wisely in setting aside areas for conservation of the forests and the animals in them by creating National Parks, Wildlife Reserves, Conservation Areas and Hunting Reserve.
There are eight National Parks (Royal Chitwan, Royal Bardiya, Khaptad, Rara, Shey-Phoksundo, Langtang, Sagarmatha, and Makalu-Barun), two Conservation Area Projects (Annpurna and Kanchenjungha), fNepal’s Wildlife Reserves (Koshi Tappu, Parsa, Shivapuri Watershed, and Shukla Phanta), and one Hunting Reserve (Dhorpatan). These protected areas cover 16.2% of the total area of Nepal. All of these are natural habitats except with a slight exception of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. Its natural habitat has artificially increased, an unforeseen but fortunate result of the construction of Koshi Barrage across Koshi River, in the early sixties, to control the monsoon floods in Bihar, Northern India. All of these areas have their distinctive characteristics that give them their present status. Royal Chitwan National Park is outstanding in its population of rhinos and tigers. This park alone, though only 932 sq. km, shelters nearly 600 rhinos, almost one third of the world's population. This rhino population is a success story of Chitwan for there were less than 80 rhinos in the park when it was established in 1973. Shey-Phoksundo, Nepal’s largest National Park (3,555 sq.km) with its emerald lake could harbor a fair number of the extremely rare Himalayan cat, the Snow Leopard. The population of these beautiful cats has been estimated at between 300 to 500 in Nepal. With more than 2,500 Swamp Deer (Cervus duvauceli), Shukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve, despite its relative small size of 320 sq. km., holds one of the largest population of this herd in the world. Koshi Tappu, though only 175 sq. km. but famous throughout the world for water birds, is also the home of the Wild buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Any habitat having at least 50,000 birds or holding at least 1% of the total population of the species of the world at any time of the year can be declared a Ramsar Site. Koshi Tappu was declared a Ramsar Site in 1987 by the Ramsar Bureau. However, just setting aside and providing protection to the habitats and the animals are far from sufficient.
The government of Nepal has wisely set aside these parks ensuring the survival of species and their habitats. Challenges still remain, but credit goes to those people who have had the foresight to preserve and conserve.
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