Abstract
The present study analyzes the information and perception of the local community of Samagaun VDC, Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) regarding Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D. Don) Soó (Orchidaceae). We assessed the local peoples’ perception on its population status, its availability, factors causing its decline and management practices of this terrestrial orchids. A pre-designed questionnaire was used to gather information targeting the age group between 25 and 60 years (n = 75, 45 male and 30 female). Most of the informants (76%) believe that the abundance of this orchid is declining. Over grazing of domestic animals, over harvesting and lack of awareness among the local community were determined to be the major causes of decline of D. hatagirea in the study area. Protection measures as prescribed by the informants were control grazing, raising awareness among the individuals and sustainable harvestings for the long-term conservation of the species. Systematic management plans that incorporate the participation of local individuals and prioritization of their views will be applicable for the proper conservation of the species.
Highlights
IntroductionThe indigenous community depends completely on natural resources to maintain their necessities like food, fuel, fodder and medicine [1]-[3]
People living in natural environments are indispensable to wild resources
This study was conducted in Samagaun Village Development Committee (VDC) of Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA)
Summary
The indigenous community depends completely on natural resources to maintain their necessities like food, fuel, fodder and medicine [1]-[3]. The incessant use of wild plants and the relay of this knowledge from generation to generation gave people a thorough impression of plant resources in the local environment [1]. All these indigenous communities are a store house of information regarding the valuable species and may have priorities for use and management of the resources [6] [7]. Living near nature reserves often allowed them to use the natural resources from protected areas in a sustainable manner, and it is widely accepted that local knowledge and priorities should be incorporated into management strategies for nature reserves [1] [6] [8]
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