Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve Research Articles

Investigating the Implementation of the Buffer Zone Approach in Development: A Case Study of Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve, Kanchanpur, Nepal

The study conducted in February-March 2023 aimed to assess the socio-economic status of rural communities residing in the buffer zone surrounding Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve (SWR) in Kanchanpur district, referred to as a zone of impact adjacent to the Conservation Area. The buffer zone covers various locations, including Bhim att, Bedkot municipality, Suklaphanta municipality, Beldandi Village municipality, and others. Data was collected through household surveys in five sample locations: Chathari, Sunderpur, Bagphanta, Nayagaun, and Lalpur. A total of 50 households were surveyed, with 10 sample households per location, using structured questionnaires and observation sheets. Findings from the study indicated an average family size of 6.08 individuals, with varying levels of education among adults. Approximately 74% of households were primarily engaged in agriculture, while other means of occupation included hotel business, trade, and service sector jobs. The study also highlighted the significant role of women in farming activities and childcare. Tourism was identified as an emerging economic activity in the buffer zone, with around 55% of visitors coming from different parts of the country to SWR. The Wildlife Reserve positively impacted the socio-economic environment by conserving natural resources, promoting greenery, and contributing to income and employment generation. Respondents acknowledged the buffer zone's importance in water resource conservation, with 90% agreeing that it was fruitful in this regard. However, around 6% reported facing challenges due to wild animals. Ultimately, if future initiatives align with the buffer zone's potential, the study concluded that rural poverty could be reduced, and the livelihoods of people in the area could be improved.

Gut microbiota and their putative metabolic functions in fragmented Bengal tiger population of Nepal.

Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) serve a pivotal role as an apex predator in forest ecosystems. To increase our knowledge on factors impacting the viability and health of this endangered species, we studied the gut microbiota in 32 individual Bengal tigers from three geographically separated areas (Chitwan National Park (CNP), Bardia National Park (BNP) and Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve (SWR)) in Nepal, using noninvasive genetic sampling methods. Gut microbiota influence the immune system, impact various physiological functions, and modulates metabolic reactions, that ultimately impact the host health, behavior and development. Across the tiger populations in Nepal, we found significant differences in the composition of microbial communities based on their geographic locations. Specifically, we detected significant differences between CNP and the other two protected areas (CNP vs BNP: pseudo t = 1.944, P = 0.006; CNP vs SWR: pseudo t = 1.9942, P = 0.0071), but no differences between BNP and SWR. This mirrors what has been found for tiger gene flow in the same populations, suggesting gut microbiota composition and host gene flow may be linked. Furthermore, predictive metagenome functional content analysis (PICRUSt) revealed a higher functional enrichment and diversity for significant gut microbiota in the Chitwan tiger population and the lowest enrichment and diversity in Suklaphanta. The CNP tiger population contained higher proportions of microbiota that are associated with predicted functions relevant for metabolism of amino acid, lipid, xenobiotics biodegradation, terpenoides and polyketides than the SWR population. We conclude the tiger population structure, gut microbiota profile and associated functional metabolic categories are correlated, with geographically most separated CNP and SWR tiger population having the most distinct and different host genotype and microbiota profiles. Our work dramatically expands the understanding of tiger microbiota in wild populations and provides a valuable case study on how to investigate genetic diversity at different hierarchical levels, including hosts as well as their microbial communities.

Past, present and future conservation of the greater one-horned rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis in Nepal

AbstractUntil the early 1980s the only surviving population of the greater one-horned rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis in Nepal was in Chitwan National Park. Between 1986 and 2003 87 rhinoceroses from Chitwan were translocated into Bardia National Park and Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve in the western terai region to establish founder populations and reduce the threat of local extinction from natural catastrophic events, disease and/or poaching. The founder populations increased in number through births but a rise in poaching during the period of civil strife in Nepal during 1996–2006 resulted in a dramatic decline in the populations, including in Chitwan. In 2001 the Terai Arc Landscape programme was initiated to connect 11 protected areas in Nepal and north-west India and facilitate dispersal of megafauna and manage them as metapopulations. Corridors that were restored under the programme and that connect Bardia and Suklaphanta with protected areas in India are now used by the greater one-horned rhinoceros. The successes and failures of the last 2 decades indicate that new paradigms for protecting rhinoceroses within and outside protected areas are needed, especially with reference to managing this species at a landscape scale.

Population status, structure and distribution of the greater one-horned rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis in Nepal

AbstractWe assessed the abundance and distribution of the greater one-horned or Indian rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis in all its potential habitats in Nepal, using block counts. In April 2011 5,497 km were searched in 3,548 elephant-hours over 23 days. The validity of the block count was assessed by comparing it with counts obtained from long-term monitoring using photographic identification of individual rhinoceroses (ID-based), and estimates obtained by closed population sighting–mark–resighting in the 214 km2 of Chitwan National Park. A total of 534 rhinoceroses were found during the census, with 503 in Chitwan National Park (density 1 km−2), 24 in Bardia National Park (0.28 km−2) and seven in Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve (0.1 km−2). In Chitwan 66% were adults, 12% subadults and 22% calves, with a female : male ratio of 1.24. The population estimate from sighting–mark–resighting was 72 (95% CI 71–78). The model with different detection probabilities for males and females had better support than the null model. In the Sauraha area of Chitwan estimates of the population obtained by block count (77) and ID-based monitoring (72) were within the 95% confidence interval of the estimate from sighting–mark–resighting. We recommend a country-wide block count for rhinoceroses every 3 years and annual ID-based monitoring in a sighting–mark–resighting framework within selected subpopulations. The sighting–mark–resighting technique provides the statistical rigour required for population estimates of the rhinoceros in Nepal and elsewhere.

Survey of Ghodaghodi Lake Complex for Cotton Pygmy Goose Nettapus coromandelianus and Marsh Mugger Crocodylus palustris

Ghodaghodi lake complex is a Ramsar Site and also an important bird area. It forms an important wildlife corridor between terai and Siwaliks and between the two protected areas of the western lowland Nepal, Bardia National Park and Sukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve. A variety of wildlife has been recorded in the area including 140 species of birds, 34 species of mammals, 9 species of herpetofauna, 29 species of fish and several varieties of plant species. Past data shows that the site had 1% south Asian population of Cotton Pygmy Goose Nettapus coromandelianus and presence of Marsh Mugger Crocodylus palustris. Current survey targeted to these two indicator species has shown that Cotton Pygmy Goose has declined by 70% and Marsh Muggers with no clear trend of decline or increase. Hunting and disturbance, encroachment, habitat alteration are identified as major threats to the area. Recommendations are made for habitat management, education and awareness, scientific and participatory monitoring of lake biodiversity with birds and crocodiles as the indicator species, strengthening and capacity building of local CBOs, formation of district level coordination body and to provide a special category status for the GLA.

Conservation status of Ramsar sites of Nepal Tarai: an overview

Nepal houses only inland freshwater wetlands, ranging from floodplains of snow-melt-fed cold Himalayan rivers, warm rivers originating in the mid hills, high altitudinal glacial lakes to hot springs, ponds, ox-bow lakes, marshes and swamps. These wetlands support several endemic and globally threatened species of flora and fauna. Besides, wetland sites have significant recreational, religio-cultural and spiritual values. There are over 240 wetland sites in Nepal, of which 163 are in the Terai (plain lowland). Wetlands found in Tarai are comparatively more inventoried than the wetlands of mountains and the Himalayan regions of the country. The Terai region (below 300 m) covers about 14% of the country's total area, where half of Nepal's total populations exist. About 11% population of the country is wetland dependent; majority of them are living in the Terai region. The country has nine Ramsar sites, of which, four are in the Tarai region. Among them, two sites (Koshi Tappu wetland, and Beeshazar and associated lakes) lie inside the protected areas and two sites (Ghodaghodi Lake area and Jagadishpur Reservoir) are distributed outside the protected areas. The Koshi Tappu wetland lies along the floodplains of the Sapta Koshi River in the eastern Tarai within the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. It is the first Ramsar site in Nepal. Beeshazar and associated lakes lies in the buffer zone of the Chitwan National Park along the inner Tarai of Central Nepal. The Ghodaghodi Lake Area (2500 ha) lies in the far western Nepal, and comprises about 14 large and small ox-bow lakes/ponds with associated marshes, swamps, river/streams, springs, seasonal marshy grasslands and human made wetlands, out of them, Ghodaghodi Lake (138 ha) is the largest natural lake in the Nepal's Tarai. The lake system falls between the Bardia National Park and the Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve of the country and the surrounding forest functions as an important corridor for the movement of wildlife between these as well as the Tarai and the northern Siwalik hills. Similarly, the Jagadishpur Reservoir (225 ha) which lies in Central Nepal's Tarai is the largest man-made wetland in Nepal for irrigation purpose. It is an important site for migratory and resident birds. In this paper we highlight the status, threats, conservation issues and management practices of these Ramsar sites lying in Nepal Tarai. Key-words: Ghodaghodi Lake; Jagdishpur Reservoir; Nepal Tarai; outside protected area; wetlands.DOI: 10.3126/botor.v6i0.2914 Botanica Orientalis - Journal of Plant Science (2009) 6: 76-84

Observations on habitat preference of translocated rhinos in Bardia National Park and Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve, Nepal

Chitwan National Park had the only surviving greater one-horned rhino population in Nepal until the 1980s. To reduce the threat of losing this population to natural calamities, catastrophic events and poaching, rhinos were translocated to the Bardia National Park (BNP) and the Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve (SWR). Translocations have thus been used as an active and successful management tool for rhinos in Nepal. As a follow up to these translocations, it was important to assess habitat use and the distribution pattern of rhinos in the new habitats. Monitoring was conducted in the Karnali floodplain of the BNP and in the core area of the SWR. Monitoring was based on direct observation and surveys of rhino signs (dung, track etc.). In BNP, rhinos were found to use grassland habitat, particularly in the floodplain areas. In the SWR, rhinos were found using the habitats between two river systems, which were comprised mainly of grassland, intermixed with wetlands and riverine forests. Breeding and an increase in the population show that the habitats in their former range (BNP and SWR) are still suitable for rhinos. Key words: Rhinos, Translocation, Habitat, Floodplain, Nepal Le Parc National Chitwan avait la seule population du Grand rhinocéros unicorne qui survivait au Népal jusque dans les années 1980. Pour réduire la menace de perdre cette population aux calamités naturelles, aux catastrophes et au braconnage, les rhinocéros étaient transférés au Parc National de Bardia (BNP) et dans la Réserve de la Faune de Suklaphanta (SWR). Les translocations ont donc été utilisées en tant qu’outil de gestion active et réussie pour les rhinocéros au Népal. Afin de suivre ces translocations, c’était important d’analyser l’usage de l’habitat et la répartition des rhinocéros dans les nouveaux habitats. On a donc fait un suivi dans le lit majeur de Karnali du Parc National de Bardia et dans une zone au cœur de la Réserve de la Faune de Suklaphanta. Le suivi était basé sur l’observation directe et l’étude des traces (les excréments, les empreintes de sabot) de rhinocéros. Dans le Parc National de Bardia, on a trouvé que les rhinocéros utilisaient l’habitat des herbages, en particulier dans les plaines inondables. Dans la Réserve de la Faune de Suklaphanta, on a trouvé que les rhinocéros utilisaient les habitats entre les deux systèmes de rivière qui comprenaient principalement des herbages, entremêlés avec les marécages et les forêts riveraines. La reproduction et l’accroissement de la population montrent que ces habitats (BNP et SWR) conviennent toujours aux rhinocéros.

Species Richness and Biomass Relationship in Burned Sites of <i>Imperata-Saccharum</i> Grassland in Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve, Nepal

Present study was conducted in the Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve, Kanchanpur district, far western Nepal during June-July, 2005. A total of 150 quadrats (1m x 1m) were sampled in three differentially treated sites (unburned, early burned and late burned). Plant community composition and above ground biomass at different sites were quantified. The relationship between species richness and biomass was detected in the Imperata-Saccharum grassland. Altogether 100 plant species were recorded in the grassland. The highest number of species (62) was recorded in early burned site, whereas lowest (54) species were recorded from unburned site. Among all species recorded, 23 were common to all sites. The highest species richness (13 species/m²) was recorded in the early burned plot. The above ground biomass was highest (583.93 g/m²) in unburned plot. Mean above ground biomass of all the three sites of the grassland was 249.72 g/m². These results indicate that the burning has significant impact on both species richness and biomass. Maximum species richness was found in the biomass interval between ca. 100-300 g/m² when all the sites were combined. A hump shaped pattern was observed in the grassland when all the data were combined. Key words: Species richness, biomass, generalized linear model, fire. doi: 10.3126/eco.v15i0.1938 ECOPRINT 15: 23-27, 2008

Decentralization and people's participation in conservation: a comparative study from the Western Terai of Nepal

Nepal formally embarked on decentralized participatory conservation programmes in 1990. To assess who participates in and benefits from such programmes, stratified random questionnaire surveys of 234 households and interviews with 29 user group chairs were conducted in the buffer zones of two protected areas of the Nepalese Terai: Bardia National Park and Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve. The Poisson regression shows that gender, education, household affluence, and conservation attitudes were significant predictors of people's participation in decentralized conservation programmes, while family size, ethnicity and resource dependency were not. The benefits of participation outweighed the costs based on respondents' estimates. The performance of grassroots organizations and levels of participation were correlated. Nepal's decentralized participatory conservation has achieved efficiency, relative equity and effectiveness to some extent. Yet the central government should devolve more power to local communities to sustain the achievements as well as to provide more equitable benefits to residents to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of conservation programmes.

Resources use, conservation attitudes, management intervention and park-people relations in the Western Terai landscape of Nepal

Various conservation models have been implemented in Nepal since 1973, however their impacts on resources use and conservation attitudes are scarcely known. To address the hypothesis that conservation attitudes should improve around protected areas (PAs) with more social and economic interventions, stratified random questionnaire surveys of 234 households were conducted in two PAs in the Western Terai of Nepal: Bardia National Park (BNP), in which interventions have been more widespread for longer time periods, and Sukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve (SWR), in which interventions are relatively recent. Both are part of a major landscape-level conservation programme under implementation in Nepal, and both are under threat of political turmoil, uncontrolled immigration, inefficient land reform policies and unsustainable resource use. There was spatio-temporal variability in resource use patterns and dependence. People collected eight and seven types of resources in BNP and SWR, respectively, and people in BNP were more dependent on resources overall. About 72% of respondents mentioned the problem of inadequate firewood, and suggested the promotion of alternative energy and permission to collect from PAs as mitigating strategies. Of 11 attitude statements, five significantly differed between the two areas. Respondents from the BNP had more favourable attitudes about conservation than those from SWR, supporting the main hypothesis. Training received by respondents, damage by wildlife, dependence on resources and satisfaction towards user groups contributed significantly to the variation in conservation attitudes. The results suggest that the liberalization of PA management has enabled the use of resources, improved livelihoods to some extent and solicited more favourable conservation attitudes in Nepal.

Plant diversity in the threatened sub-tropical grasslands of Nepal

Previously extensive tall grasslands, and their associated fauna, are now restricted to small fragments in protected areas in lowland Nepal and northern India. Conservation management of the remaining grasslands has been hindered by the lack of a grassland classification. A classification of the grasslands in four protected areas in Nepal is presented. Two hundred and forty six plant species were recorded and nine species assemblages, with eight phases, were identified. Royal Chitwan National Park contained the greatest diversity of assemblages, whilst Royal Bardia National Park and Royal Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve, were of conservation significance for the occurrence of an Imperata cylindrica assemblage and its associated fauna. Early successional assemblages dominated by Saccharum spontaneum and Phragmites karka predominated in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. The spatial and temporal distribution of grassland assemblages is primarily influenced by fluvial processes but also by fire, cutting and grazing. Changes in the impact of these disturbances, for example as a result of dam building or a change in the fire regime, will alter the diversity and distribution of the plant assemblages together with their associated fauna. Immediate conservation action should involve controlling grazing in Koshi Tappu, removing invading woody species from Imperata cylindrica grassland and mapping the distribution of assemblages in all protected areas. ©

The barasingha, or swamp deer, in Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve, Nepal

Between 1988 and 1993 six periods of field study were undertaken to investigate the environmental impact of the construction of a main irrigation canal and other works in the proposed extension of Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve and to recommend protective measures. Suklaphanta is administered by His Majesty's Government of Nepal through the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation. Special emphasis was placed upon the barasingha Cervus duvauceli population because it is the largest remaining group of this endangered deer species in the world. This paper presents recommendations for the management of the barasingha and its habitat.

The Birds of Sukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve, Nepal

Sukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve lies in the southwest corner of Nepal. It has been listed as an important bird area and a number of bird studies have been conducted here. The reserve is an important refuge especially for many grassland birds, several of which are globally threatened. The high, total of 15 globally threatened and 13 near-threatened bird species occur in Sukla Phanta. Some of the bird species reach their world limit of distribution at Sukla Phanta. Of all the habitats found in Sukla Phanta, grassland is the most important. Conservation and management of grasslands that are sympathetic to bird populations are urgent at Sukla Phanta. Key words: Sarcogyps calvus, globally threatened birds, Sukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve, NepalDOI: 10.3126/on.v7i1.2554Our Nature (2009) 7:56-81