Status of Wetland in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, Nepal

Saroj Panthi,Maheshwar Dhakal,Barna Bahadur Thapa,Sher Singh Thagunna

doi:10.4236/oje.2014.45023

Abstract

Wetland means the surface of the earth that is permanently or seasonally or partially covered with water. Wetlands are most productive areas for biodiversity and local livelihood support. Nepal ratified Ramsar convention in 1987 and started to include the wetland in Ramsar site and till now nine wetland sites are included in Ramsar site. There are still lacking systematic research and conservation approach for these wetlands; therefore, our study attempted to assess the status of wetlands in the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, Nepal; and explored threats and conservation challenges. We prepared list of streams and lakes and collected detail information regarding area, district, block, elevation and cultural as well as ecological importance of lakes. We recorded total 11 lakes with total 304477 m2 areas. The Sundaha lake is largest lake of the reserve having significant religious importance. We also recorded 7 streams in the reserve. Wetlands of the reserve were facing problem of sedimentation, pollution, and change in climate has also effects on these wetland ecosystem and their importance.

Highlights

Wetland, in Nepali term “SIMSAR” means field with perennial source of water including swampy paddy fields, water logged areas and ponds
We found out the preliminary information of wetlands of Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve (DHR)
The Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve (DHR) is the only one hunting reserve in Nepal located in Dhaulagiri Himal range [17] [18]

Summary

Introduction

In Nepali term “SIMSAR” means field with perennial source of water including swampy paddy fields, water logged areas and ponds. The Government of Nepal ratified the Ramsar Convention in 1987 and has incremented its contribution to the list of wetlands of international importance to currently include nine wetlands with a surface area of 34,455 hectares [4]. Out of them Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is the largest and the first Ramsar site of international importance of Nepal and Mai Pokahri is a smallest and youngest Ramsar site [5]. Ramsar sites of Nepal are representing 0.19% of total area of global Ramsar sites. In Nepal 193 bird species are known to be dependent on wetlands [3] [6]-[11] and 172 species of the major wetland plants are listed by IUCN [12]. Wetlands are one of the most threatened habitats because of their vulnerability and attractiveness for development [13]

Methods

Results

Conclusion