Final Report

Habitat Restoration in Royal Bardia National Park

(Scaling up Effort to Conserve the Wild Tiger Population in and around Nepal’s Royal Bardia National Park)

(Project #: 2000-0182-017)

Submitted to

Save the Tiger Fund, US

Submitted by

King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation July 2002

Prepared by

Shant Raj Jnwali, PhD

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Abstract The report highlights activities and achievements of Habitat Restoration Program implemented in Royal Bardia NP’s southwestern buffer zone and adjacent areas, mainly in Thakurdwara and Suryapatuwa VDCs. The overall field activities were implemented through KMTNC’s Bardia based Bardia Conservation Program and the financial support was made available from Save the Tiger Fund US. The objectives of the program were to restore potential but seriously degraded habitats for tiger and its prey base and provide economic incentives to the local communities inhabiting southern peripheral areas of the park through ICDP aimed at developing local guardianship in conserving tiger and its prey base in their natural habitats. Over all activities were implemented in direct collaboration with the Royal Bardia National Park, Buffer Zone Development Council, Users Committees, Women Environment Groups, Village Development Committees and local government institutions. An effective linkage was also maintained among the line agencies such as Buffer Zone Development Project, Terai Arc Landscape and Participatory Conservation Program. The current security situation prevailed in the western part of the country hindered the implementation of field activities to a greater extent. Despite this, overall activities were successfully implemented and satisfactory results have been obtained. The main activities undertaken during March 2001 – June 2002 in Thakurdwara-Suryapatuwa area include community forestry program, wildlife monitoring, training to naturalists, micro-enterprise development, community health services, wildlife damage control, conservation education and alternative energy program. Supports have been extended to 19 different Users Committees to manage existing community managed regeneration plots and to establish new plots – ca 1500 ha forest areas. Major forest management activities include maintenance of trench and fences, digging up of new trench, thinning, pruning and eradication of alien species. More than 500000 plant saplings of MPTS have been grown in nurseries to distribute for private as well as community plantations in the project area. Wildlife study included regular monitoring of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians etc. Field data revealed that a total of 17 species of mammals, 113 species of birds, 6 species of reptiles, 3 species of amphibians inhabit the forest areas outside the park. Detail vegetation analysis yielded 178 different species of trees, shrubs, climbers, herbaceous, pteridophytes etc. Alternative energy scheme include installation of methane gas digesters under which a total of 85 plants of various capacities have been installed.

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Necessary materials (solar fencer magnum, cable, insulator etc) for minimizing the wildlife damage to agricultural crops have been purchased and ground work for establishing the solar fence has been initiated. Micro-enterprise development programs were mainly targeted to local women. Vegetable farming, pig and goat keeping, fish farming, sewing and tailoring training, bag knitting, potato chips preparation, exposure visits and skill development trainings were major activities under this program. Over 400 local women were directly benefited from micro-enterprise development program. Impact evaluation of micro enterprise development program has been initiated. Activities under conservation education consist of mobile workshop, training on avifauna conservation, school greenery program, shepherd education and preparation of field book on preventive measures against wildlife attacks. Village sanitation program, workshop on women reproductive health, mother and child health, eye camp, distribution of first-aid kits and improvement of laboratory facility of Nikunj Community Health Center, Thakurdwara were major activities conducted under health and sanitation program. CBOs strengthening program included office management training among 16 members of 8 women environment groups and office development support to Buffer Zone Development Council.

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Contents S. No. Activities Page 1. Background 1 2. Goal and Objectives 4 3. Implementation Module and Limitations 5 4. Activities and Achievements 6 4.1 Forest Regeneration Program 6 4.1.1 Support for Natural Forest Regeneration Program 6 4.1.2 Plant nursery Management 8 4.2 Wildlife Monitoring 10 4.3 Socio-economic Survey 15 4.4 Impact Evaluation of Micro-enterprise Development Program 16 4.5 Community Support Program 16 4.5.1 Support for Methane Gas Digesters 16 4.5.2 Capacity Building for Income Generation 18 4.5.2.1 Formation of Women Groups 18 4.5.2.2 Pig Keeping 19 4.5.2.3 Goat Keeping 20 4.5.2.4 Training on Potato Chips Preparation 21 4.5.2.5 Vegetable Farming 22 4.5.2.6 Sewing and Tailoring Training 23 4.5.2.7 Bag Kitting 24 4.5.2.8 Fish Farming 25 4.5.3 Training to Local Naturalists 26 4.5.4 Users Group Exposure Visit 27 4.5.5 Crop Damage Minimization 28 4.5.6 Capacity Building for Local CBOs 29 4.5.7 Conservation Education 30 4.5.7.1 Support to Local Schools 30 4.5.7.2 Conservation Education Mobile Camps and Training 31 4.5.7.3 Celebration of World Environment Day 32 4.5.7.4 Shepherd Education 32 4.5.7.5 Workshop on Preventive Measures Against Aggressive Wildlife 33 4.5.8 Health and Sanitation 34 4.5.8.1 Eye Camp 34 4.5.8.2 Training on Women Reproductive Health 34 4.5.8.3 Village Sanitation Campaign 35 4.5.8.4 Health Post support 36

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List of Figures Figure 1. Map of Royal Bardia National Park and project site

Figure 2. Plant saplings grown for private and community plantation

Figure 3. Shivpur Bhale observed in Nayabeli, new regeneration plot

Figure 4. Proportion of plant species recorded in different habitat types

Figure 5. Methane gas digesters have greatly helped to reduce pressure on natural forests.

Figure 6. High breed pig farming has become potential source of income among

beneficiaries

Figure 7. Members of WEG receiving high breed goats for commercial farming

Figure 8. Trainees busy in practical session of potato preparation

Figure 9. Off-season vegetable farming training organized within BCP premises

Figure 10. Distribution of sewing machine helps to retain sewing skills

Figure 11. DNPWC’s Director General distributing the certificates among trainees

Figure 12. Senior naturalists setting infrared camera devices to photograph tigers

Figure 13. Women group in their exposure tour at Palpa

Figure 14. Conservation education session at a local primary school

Figure 15. A glimpse of conservation education mobile camp

Figure 16. Poem competition during world environment day, 5 June 2002

Figure 17. Shepherd education has become an effective means to disseminate

conservation messages

Figure 18. Participants discussing on preventive measures against wildlife attack

Figure 19. DNPWCs Director General distributing medicine kit to local health workers

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List of Tables Table 1. Name, location and the area of Natural Forest Regeneration Plots supported by

the project.

Table 2. Number of methane gas digesters installed in different VDCs under STF grant.

Table 3. Name of WEGs supported under STF program and their activities.

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Acronyms BCP Bardia Conservation Program

CBO Community Based Organization

CFMC Community Forest Management Committee

DASO District Agriculture Service Office

DNPWC Department of National Parks and Wildlife Reserve

DOTS Direct Observation Treatment Service

ha Hectare

hh Household

GCHP Geruwa Community Health Post

KMTNC King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation

NCHP Nikunj Community Health Post

NP National Park

RBNP Royal Bardia National Park

SEG Student Environment Group

STF Save the Tiger Fund

UC Users Committee

UNDP United Nation’s Development Programs

VDC Village Development Committee

VFG Vegetable Farming Group

WEG Women Environment Group

WR Wildlife Reserve

WWF World Wildlife Fund

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1. Background

The Royal Bardia National Park (28o 30’ N and 81o 15’E) is located in the mid-western

lowland of Nepal to encompass a total area of 968 km2 including steep range of Shiwalik

in the north and alluvial floodplains created by Karnali and Babai river systems. The park

borders Geruwas River, eastern branch of Karnali in the west, Ratna Highway in the east

and crest of Shiwalik in the north. Part of Mahendra Highway, large tracts of buffer zone

forests and farmland delineate the southern boundary of the park. The climate is

subtropical monsoonal with over 90% precipitation occurring between July and

September.

The park is reputed for its exceptionally rich biodiversity. The vegetation is composed of

a mosaic of sal, riverine, mixed hardwood and Khair-sissoo forests, wooded grasslands,

and tall alluvial floodplain grassland and short grassland patches established on the

previously cultivated farmlands. Algae, Chara, Paspallum, Hydrilla etc. enrich the aquatic

floral diversity.

Similarly, the park provides refuge for 53 mammalian species, over 400 species of birds,

121 species of fishes, ca 24 species of mollusks, ca 20 species of reptiles and over 25

species of amphibians and unknown number of insects. Protected species of mammals

including Panthera tigris tigris, Rhinoceros unicornis, Elephus maximus, Cervus

duvauceli duvauceli and Tetraceros quadricornis. Plastanista ganatica and Gavialis

gangaticus are two endangered aquatic mega-species found in the Karnali river system.

Bengal florican, lesser florican, white stork, black stork, giant pied hornbill and Saurus

crane are among protected avifauna inhibiting the Park.

The rich biodiversity of the Royal Bardia National Park (RBNP) is under increasing

threat due to legal and illegal exploitation of natural resources, mainly along it’s

boundary. The key mammalian species (tiger, rhino and elephant) that require large and

continuous forest tracts for their extensive movements suffer as forest patches outside the

park are degraded due to overgrazing and over extraction of forest resource base.

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Figure 1. Map of Royal Bardia National Park and project site.

However, recent initiatives undertaken in restoring the forest patches in the buffer zone

have reclaimed some of the severely degraded forest patches. The animals roaming

outside the boundary are still at high risk of poaching, as no effective mechanism exists

to halt poaching incidents there. Local communities’ easy access to the natural resource

base was restricted, mainly after the creation of the park. Local people also suffer serious

crop loss, property damage and livestock depredation by the park animals that frequently

range outside the park. Besides, attacks by large mammals have restricted free movement

into existing forest areas. The human population of the buffer zone of RBNP is over

100,000 with an annual growth rate of 2.1%. The main problem affecting the biodiversity

of the area is poverty that augmented by population growth.

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There are still potential areas outside the park border where conservation initiatives could

be launched to restore natural habitats required for long ranging large mammals mainly,

elephants, rhino and tiger. If intervention is not made immediately, all these forested

areas might get encroached for settlement and intensive farming. This will ultimately

shrink the potential ranging grounds of large mammals.

The local tiger population in the 1840 km2 Bardia-Banke Tiger Conservation Unit is

estimated (1999) at ca 50 breeding individuals. More than 2/3 of these exist in the

southwestern part of the park where the natural prey base is exceptionally high. During

the last two decades, intensive land clearing and establishment of new settlements,

particularly west of the park in Kailali district, have virtually destroyed the natural habitat

for free movement of tigers out of the park. If the present trend continues, the Bardia

population will be severed with a smaller population in the Sukla Phanta WR further

west. This will ultimately pose a serious problem for continued viability of the Bardia

population; as it may over the coming years suffer from loss of genetic variation through

increased inbreeding. A narrow belt of forest that stretches between RBNP and

Katarniyaghat WR, India suffers similar problems. To counteract this increasing isolation

of the Bardia population, it is imperative the dispersal corridors and more habitat be made

available outside the park where tigers can subsist and interchange with adjacent

subpopulations. These new or restored habitats need to be sufficiently large and

contiguous and harbor enough natural prey so that predation on domestic animals is

minimized.

In order to create more space and provide suitable ranging ground for the local Bardia

population of tiger we have recently completed first phase of integrated habitat

restoration programs in the southwestern buffer zone of RBNP that broadly includes

protection and management of natural forest resource base and plantation coupled with

economic incentives to the local communities through a wide range of micro-enterprise

development programs. Initially, the project area was divided into three major blocks

namely: (i) Thakurdwara - Suryapatuwa, (ii) Gola - Manau and (iii) Shivpur - Bagnaha –

all lying in the southwestern buffer zone of the park. Overall programs of the first year

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(2001-2002) were implemented in the Thakurdwra - Suryapatuwa block. This report

highlights program activities and achievements obtained during sixteen months time –

March 2001 to June 2002.

2. Goal and Objectives

The goal of the program was to ensure long-term survival of the tiger population in the

southwestern lowland of Nepal, particularly in the Banke-Bardia Tiger Conservation

Unit. The main objectives were to restore potential but seriously degraded habitats for

tiger and its prey base outside the park boundary of the southwestern section of the park

and provide economic incentives to the local communities residing in the buffer zone

through Integrated Conservation and Development Programs aimed at developing local

guardianship in conserving tiger and its prey base in their natural habitats. Specific

objectives of the project were to: i) restore ca 500 ha of severely degraded forest in the

project area, ii) create a contiguous block of community-protected and managed forests

along the southwestern border of RBNP that provides opportunities for eco-tourism,

micro-enterprise and extension of wildlife habitat where villagers become the local

guardians of the wildlife resources, iii) reduce human pressure on the park by linking

regeneration areas to plantations composed of native fodder and fuel wood and timber

trees to meet the needs of locals, iv) train a core group of local naturalists to accurately

conduct tiger censuses base on Nepali language tiger manual prepared by KMTNC, v)

provide training to forest users and local stakeholders on institutional management and

monitoring, vi) promote methane gas digesters to minimize the pressure in the park as

well as in the community managed forest in the buffer zone and vii) promote

conservation education and extension program through mobile camps and study tours.

3. Implementation Module and Limitations

A collaborative and participatory approach was adopted to implement over all program

activities in the field. In this regard, a direct collaboration and coordination was

established with the RBNP, Buffer Zone Development Council, Local Government

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Institutions (District Livestock Health Office and District Agricultural Service Office),

Users Committee and different Community Based Organizations. Similarly, an effective

linkage was also maintained with line agencies working in the area. Line agencies

currently working in the area include Buffer Zone Development Project, a joint under

taking between Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) and

CARE Nepal; Terai Arc Landscape, jointly implemented by the Ministry of Forest and

Soil Conservation and WWF Nepal Program, and Participatory Conservation Project

(formerly Park People Project), a joint initiative between DNPWC and UNDP.

Participation of local community was unexpectedly high throughout the project period.

The field level activities were greatly slowed down between November and February due

to security problem prevailed particularly in the western part of the country. Village level

meeting, workshops, interaction programs and forest management activities during that

period were affected as mass gathering was strictly prohibited for security reasons.

Ultimately this caused delay in executing the field level activities. Since time (28

February 2001 – 27 February 2002) allocated initially was not adequate, a four months

extension (March to June 2002) was requested to complete targeted program activities.

Finally, overall program activities were successfully implemented and satisfactory results

have been achieved.

4. Activities and Achievements

4.1 Forest Regeneration Program 4.1.1 Support for natural forest regeneration

Forest patches in the buffer zone and nearby areas are degraded due to over grazing and

excessive collection of forest products (fuel wood, fodder, timber etc). In addition,

encroachment of the forest fringes for settlement and agricultural production has also

greatly threatened the forest resource base. If the current rate of encroachment continues,

the critical habitats of diverse wildlife including critically endangered tiger and its prey

base might be converted into farmlands in near future. Besides, the communities will put

additional pressure to fulfill their daily demands for natural resources on the remaining

forest patches including the park areas. RBNP in collaboration with its conservation

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partners and CBOs has recently undertaken initiatives to address the issues related to the

management of the forest patches that fall within the boundary of its buffer zone.

In order to restore existing forest patches outside RBNP (hereafter project area) as

potential habitats for wildlife as well as alternative resource base to meet local demands

for fuel wood, fodder, timber, medicinal herbs etc, an Integrated Community Forestry

Program was launched in the project area. A total of 21 Users Committees were provided

financial and technical support to manage existing regeneration plots and to create new

regeneration plots stretched over ca 1500 ha land of the project area in Thakurdwara and

Suryapatuwa VDCs. However, 1 User Committee of Manau and 1 in Shivpur VDCs are

also provided financial support to manage the forest patches that adjoins the forest areas

of the Thakurdwara VDC. Prior to providing assistance series of interaction meetings

were organized among members of Users Committees. Attempts have also been made to

connect regeneration and plantation plots to maintain connectivity among forest patches.

Strict protection of a severely degraded narrow strip of forest stretch extended between

Geruwa River and Khauraha, a small rivulet originated from Geruwa has been initiated.

This strip is heavily encroached by Lantana camera, an unpalatable climbing shrub.

Shivpur-Bandrhawa, Banugaon, Tanduwa, Bahadurpur, Kailashi, Guptipur Users

Committees have taken responsibilities for long-term management of the northern part

that fall within the buffer zone boundary. Approximately 5 km long strip of this forest

still maintains linkages between RBNP and Katarniaghat WR, India and provides a

suitable hiding place for tiger and a safe migratory route for long ranging mammals like

elephants and rhinoceros. This area has also been identified as one of the potential sites

for promoting community based tourism, as wildlife sighting is frequent.

Similarly, financial, technical and material (barbed wire, U nail, plant saplings) support

was extended to Banugaon User Committee to establish plantations in 6 ha marginal

lands along Khauraha riverbanks aimed at reducing the erosion caused by high monsoon

flood. Necessary plant saplings have been grown in nursery and plantations will be

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established along riverbed of Orai River as soon as adequate precipitation occurs in the

area.

Most of the regeneration plots are protected by establishing deep trenches combined with

bio-fence composed of thorny bushes of Acacia nilotica and unpalatable plants, mainly

Ipomoea spp. In areas where the soil quality does not permit for deep trenches, barbed

wire fence has been stretched. The necessary materials (barbed wire, U nails and concrete

poles) for barbed wire fencing were made available by the project. A total of 1000

concrete poles and approximately 30 quintals barbed wire were purchased and distributed

to different Users Committees of the project area. Over 75% of the total cost incurred in

digging up the trenches and in erecting the barbed wire fence was borne by the

communities. Besides, technical supports have also been provided for forest

management, such as cleaning, pruning and thinning. Other supports extended to protect

and manage forest patches include salaries for regeneration/plantation guards, plant

saplings for plantation and transfer of technical know-how through interaction meetings.

A total of 2264 households of Suryapatuwa, Shivpur, Thakurdwara and Manau VDCs are

directly benefited from forest regeneration program.

Table 1. Name, location and the area of Natural Forest Regeneration Plots supported by the project. SN Users Committees &

Community Forest Management Committees

Village Development Committees

Forest area ha

Users hh

1 Bhudkaiya UC Thakurdwara 1 102 1112 Madela-Gobrela UC Thakurdwara 2 6 1083 Chitkaiya UC Thakurdwara 3 62.5 1364 Betani UC Thakurdwara 5 62.5 1065 Sukhad-Sutaiya UC Thakurdwra 4 150 1616 Thakurdwara UC Thakurdwara 6 150 1617 Bindrapuri UC Thakurdwara 7 121 1768 Banugaon UC Thakurdwara 8 30 669 Shivpur-Bandrahawa UC Thakurdwara 9 68 10010 Bathanpur Madela CFMC Shivpur 8

Thakurdwara 2 104 164

11 Bahadurpur UC Suryapatuwa 2 28 84

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12 Kailashi UC Suryapatuwa 3 100 16913 Dalla UC Suryapatuwa 4 Kha 65 6514 Tanduwa UC Suryapatuwa 4Ka 30 9415 Guptipur UC Manau 50 20116 Ganeshpur-Sisania CFMC Suryapatuwa 1 150 5817 Mauranga CFMC Suryapatuwa 100 12418 Orai CFMC Suryapatuwa 4ka 30 4319 Bhaluni-Bhatuwa CFMC Suryapatuwa 5 35 6020 Durga CFMC Suryapatuwa 22 3121 Geruwa CFMC Manau 5 7 56Total 1473 2264

4.1.2 Plant nursery management A total of 4 plant nurseries have been established and managed in the project area. Of

these, two nurseries are directly managed by the women groups and other two are

managed by KMTNC’s Bardia Conservation Program - one within its premises at Betani

and another across Geruwa River at Banjaria where day-to-day management

responsibility is delegated to Geruwa Community Health Post (GCHP) established with

the financial support form KMTNC-Bardia Conservation Program. A small grant has also

been given to GCHP to cover additional cost required in systematically managing the

nursery in future.

Figure 2. Plant saplings grown for private and community plantation

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Plant nurseries managed by the women groups are located at Bindra and Pathharbhoji.

Prior to involving to local women group in nursery development, a one-day practical

training on nursery development and management was organized at the nursery

establishment sites.

Above 50000 plant saplings of 30 different multi-purpose tree species have been grown

in the nursery. The major species include Artocarpus lakoocha, Artocarpus integra,

Calamus tenuis, Dalbergia sissoo, Acacia catechu Melia azedarach, Ficus cunia,

Tectona grandis, Dendrocalamus spp., Bahunia malaborica, Bahunia purpuria, Cassia

samia etc. Plant saplings grown in the nurseries have been made available to local

communities at a subsidized price for private plantation and free of cost for community

plantation. The income generated form the nurseries will be utilized for buying more

seeds and for day-to-day management of the nurseries. Similarly, seeds and equipments

have been made available for two local schools to establish small nurseries within the

school premises.

For promoting agro-forestry program in the area, fruit saplings (mango, litchi, peach etc.)

have been purchased from private nurseries and will be distributed among local farmers

of the project area. The fruit saplings will also be distributed among members of different

women groups for income generating purpose. Equipments necessary for nursery

development have also been purchased.

4.2 Wildlife Monitoring

Wildlife monitoring and habitat study was conducted in all potential tiger habitats of

habitat extension areas. For this, a data sheet was developed and used in the field. Overall

monitoring of wild animals and vegetation analysis was carried out with the help of

biologists, wildlife technicians and park scouts. Domestic elephants were frequently used

while monitoring the animals and analyzing vegetation in Nayabeli forest area across

Khauraha River.

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Method

Both direct as well as indirect methods were employed to monitor wild animals. The

direct method included direct observation of individual animals. Binoculars (8 x 56) were

used to observe birds and animals that were distantly located from the observers. Drive

count, widely used to estimate the size of ungulate populations was not possible as

mobilizing of large number of people in the forest areas was strictly prohibited due to

security reasons. The indirect method consisted of study of pugmark, track and footprint

study; observation of scars; examination of scats (tiger, leopard, jungle cat), pellets

(cervids and antelope) and dung (rhino and elephants). Transects were also used to

monitor the avifauna. Informal interviews were conducted among local people residing

along the fringes of the forest patches. Extensive camera trapping was hindered due to

security reasons. Identification of tigers roaming in the forest patches outside the park

was based on the study of pugmarks and direct observation of individual animal.

Line transects were extensively used to study the composition of vegetation in the habitat

extension area. 10 m x 10 m plots were laid down along the transect line to study the

density of tree species and for shrubs 5 m x 5 m nested plots were set within 10 m x 10 m

plots. Similarly, for grass and herbaceous plants 1 m x 1 m nested plots was laid within 5

m x 5 m nested plots for studying the grass and herbaceous plants. The distance between

two transects was 100 m and the distance between two plots was maintained at 50 m.

Results

Animals

The data collected from the field reveled that a wide ranges of wildlife including

endangered tiger, rhino and elephant extensively utilize the forest areas outside the park

boundary. The forest patches are also found as potential habitats for bird life. The major

wildlife species recorded in the habitat extension areas during one-year period are

depicted in the Box 1.

Of the mammalian species recorded in the extension area, rhinoceros and elephants were

found commuting between RBNP and Katarniaghat WR, India through a narrow strip of

forest stretched along Gerwua. The field record indicates that 3-4 rhinoceros spent most

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of the winter season in the southern section of the habitat extension area in Pattharbojhi,

Kailasi and Dandagaon area causing extensive damage to agricultural crops. The

pugmark study and results from direct observation indicated that 5 tigers (2 males and 3

females) were found roaming in the forest areas along Orai and Khauraha rivers outside

the park boundary. Of these, 2 -3 animals are suspected residential in the southern

proximity of the buffer zone forest, mainly in Dalla area and dense sal (Shorea robusta)

and riverine forests across the Orai River. Shivpur Bhale and Punti Pothi with her two

fully-grown cubs were observed in the Nayabeli forest across elephant stable. The

animals are residential to the area. Patkanawa Pothi, another female occasionally visited

the same area. The preliminary results of socio-economic study of the communities

residing in the project area indicated that tigers in Kailashi, Dalla and Patkanawa forest

areas, all outside the park boundary, killed over 20 livestock while grazing in the forest.

Box 1. List of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles recorded in habitat extension area

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Other commonly seen mammals include spotted deer, barking deer, wild boar, porcupine

and mongoose. Hog deer, although in low number were observed in the community

managed grassy riverbed of Geruwa River. Dolphins, otters and mugger crocodile were

observed in Geruwa River.

A small grant was provided to a graduate student from Kathmandu University to study

Population of black buck Antelope cervicapra at Khairapur Bardia with particular

Mammals Tiger, Rhinoceros, Elephants, Dolphin, Otter, Leopard, Spotted deer, Barking deer, Hog deer, Jungle cat, Wild boar, Large civet, Small civet, Mongoose, Fishing cat, Squirrel and Porcupine Birds Aberrant Bush Warbler, Ashy Drongo, Black Drongo, Bank Myna, Bengal Green Pigeon, Black-headed Oriole, Black Ibis, Blue-tailed Bee-eater, Brahmini Myna, Brahmini duck, Barn Swallow, Brown-caped Pigmy Woodpecker, Cattle Egret, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, Chinese Bush Warbler, Common Hawk Cuckoo, Common Iora, Common Myna, Common Quail, Little Cormorant, Crested Goshawak, Crested Lark, Crimson-breasted Barbet, Darter, Spotted Dove, Drongo Cuckoo, Emerald Dove, Tree Pie, Eurasian Thicknee, Gray-headed Myna, Green Bee-eater, Great Tit, Hen Harrier, House Swift, Hudgson Prinia, Indian Griffon, Indian Ring Dove, Indian Robin, Indian Roller, Intermediate Egret, Jungle Babbler, Jungle Crow, Jungle Owlet, Large Coucal, Large Green-billed Malkoha, Large Pied Kingfisher, Large Pied Wagtail, Large Rocket Tail Drongo, Lesser Golden-backed Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Lineated Barbet, Little Ring Plover, Little Turn, Mallard, Open-billed Stork, Orange-breasted Green Pigeon, Osprey, Little Owlet, Paddy-field Pipit, Painted Stork, Peacock, Pied Bush Chat, Pied Crested Cuckoo, Pied Hornbill, Pied Wagtail, Plain Prinia, Crag Sand Martin, Pond Heron, Purple Sunbird, Red Capped Babbler, Red Jungle Fowl, Red Munia, Red Start, Red Vented Bulbul, Red Whiskered Bulbul, Spur-winged Lapwing, Robin Dayal, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Rufous-bellied Babbler, Sand Martin, Scaly Bellied Woodpecker, Shama, Shikra, Black-headed Shrike, Small Coucal, Small Cuckoo, Small Minivet, Sparrow Hawk, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Tailor Bird, Tesia, Three-toed Golden-backed Woodpecker, Tickle's Blue Flycatcher, Whistling Teal, White-backed Vulture, White-bellied Drongo, White-breasted Kingfisher, White-breasted Water Hen, White Eye, White-necked Stroke, Yellow-breasted Babbler, Yellow-fronted Pied Woodpecker, Yellow-throated Sparrow, Zitting Cisticola, Black Partridge, Jungle Myna, Koel Cuckoo Reptiles Common Cobra, Banded Krait, Common Rat Snake, Sand Lizard, Garden Lizard, Indian Rock Python Amphibians Rana Tigrina, Toad, Mugger Crododile Fishes Mahasheer, Katle, Getu, Gatela, Sidhara,Kande, Rohu, Gadela,Buhari, Singhi, Gonch, Mungri, Charangi, Rajbam, Gainchi, Asla, Gurdi etc.

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emphasis on behavior by using Geomatrix. The student has already completed his

fieldwork and is at the final stage of report writing. The report is expected to be available

by mid July 2002.

Figure 3. Shivpur Bhale observed in Nayabeli, new regeneration plot. Photograph was taken by using infrared camera devices in the southwestern section of park.

Similarly, a total of 108 species of birds have been recorded from habitat extension areas

(Box 2). The bird survey will be continued until November 2002 to understand the

dynamics of bird population. In this regard, a small grant was provided to a graduate

student to extensively survey the water bodies to study waterfowl, mainly monsoon

visitors.

Reptiles recorded from the area include common cobra, banded krait, rat snake, sand

lizard, garden lizard and protected Indian rock python. Mugger crocodile and Rana

tigrina and Bufo bufo were among the amphibians found in the area.

Commonly observed fish in the Geruwa River and Orai River include Mahasheer, Katle,

Getu, Gatela, Sidhara, Kande, Rohu, Gadela, Buhari, Singhi, Gonch, Mungri, Charangi, Rajbam,

Gainchi, Asla, Gurdi. To understand status of fish and other aquatic life in the area, a local

consultant was hired by the project. The fieldwork has already initiated and will be

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continued until the end of August 2002. Aquatic diversity will be studied by extensive

sampling of all water bodies of the project area. Attempts will also be made to preserve

(10% Formaldehyde) the fishes recorded from different water bodies (river, rivulets,

ditches, irrigation canals, ponds etc) of the project area and store within BCP’s premises.

The final report of this work is expected by the end of July 2002.

Plants

The data on vegetation analysis reveled a total of 178 different species in five different

habitat types of the habitat extension area – forest areas that extend along

Khauraha/Geruwa and Orai rivers. Of this, 48.9 % were tree species, 14 % shrubs, 11.2

% climber, 9 % grass species and 16.9 % herbaceous plant species (Fig 3).

Vegetation composition

Tree

ShrubClimber

Grass

Herbs

Figure 4. Proportion of plant species recorded in different habitat types.

The major habitat types recorded in the project area include sal forest, riverine forest,

khair-sissoo association, short grass patch and tall floodplain grassland. The sal forest

extends on the uplands mainly in the Chitkaiya, Bindra, Shukhad and Shuthaiya area.

Riverine forests are stretched along Khauraha and Orai rivers. Khair-Sissoo association is

confined on old riverbed mainly in the forest strip and stretches in between Khauraha and

Geruwa River. Heavily grazed small patches of short grassland are scattered within Khair

sissoo association and along orai and Khauraha riverbeds. Common plant species

recorded in different vegetation types of the project area have been listed in Box 2.

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Box 2. Common plant species recorded in different vegetation types. Tree species Shorea robusta, Terminalia tomentosa, Terminalia bellarica, Mallotus phillippinensis, Trewia nudiflora, Holoptellia integrifolia, Ficus glomarata, Ficus bengalensis, Ficus cunia, Dalbergia sissoo, Acacia catechu, Ehretia laevis, Bombax ceiba, Scheleria trijuga, Cassia fistula, Dillennia pentagyna, Carrya arboria, Aegle marmelos, Adina cardifolia, Litsea monopetala, Eurya acuminata, Sizizium cuminii, Sizizium cerasoides, Lagerstromia parviflora Alstonia scholaris, machilus sps., Albizzia lebbek, Bhunia malaborica, Randia dumetorum Shrub species Murraya koenigii, Kolebrookia oppositifolia, Pogostemon bengalensis, Chlerodendron viscosum, Lantana camera, Acacia concinna (climbing shrub), Calotropis gigantia, Pieris ovalifolia, Ziziphus mauritania, Grewia sps., Jatropha curcas, Artemisia vulgaris, Flemengia macrophylla Climber Bahunia bhalhi, Calamus tenuis, Hedyotis scandens, Mucuna nigricans, Bridelia stipularia, Abrus precatorius Grasses Saccharum spontaneum, S. bengalensis, Imperata cylindrica, Desmostachia bippinata, Cyanodon dactylon, Vetiveria zizanoides, Phragmites karka, Eulalopsis binata Herbs and others Cassia tora, Cassia oxidentalis, Piper longum, Centella asiatica, Truimfetta sps, Cyperus sps.Horse tail, Pteris sps. Dryopteris sps., Solanum khasianum, Achyranthes bidentata Preparation of Biodiversity profile The data gathered on biodiversity will be thoroughly analyzed and compiled to prepare a

detail profile on biodiversity of southwestern buffer zone of the park. The compilation of

the field data has already been started and the task is assigned to BCP’s Conservation

Officer.

4.3 Socio-economic Survey

A small grant was provided to two graduate students from Kathmandu University to

conduct a detail socio-economic survey of the project area. The students have already

completed their fieldwork and are now at the final stage of preparing the report. The

preliminary reports submitted by the students highlight the composition of ethnic groups,

economic status, livelihood pattern, sources of income, use of forest resources and

conflicts with wildlife. In addition a detail land use map of the project area with a

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particular emphasis on the corridor forest that links RBNP with Katarniaghat Wildlife

Reserve, India will also be prepared. The final reports are expected by mid July 2002.

4.4 Impact Evaluation of Micro Enterprise Development Program A contract has been signed with professional socio-economist Mr. Ishwar Neupane to

conduct a detail study on the impact of micro-enterprise development activities

conducted by KMTNC - Bardia Conservation Program, mainly under Save the Tiger

Fund supported program. Different activities under micro-enterprise development

program include vegetable farming, fish farming, pig farming, goat keeping, sewing and

knitting, plastic bag knitting, potato chips preparation etc. The terms of reference given to

the consultant broadly include sustainability issues; mobilization of groups and group

fund, group’s involvement in biodiversity conservation work etc. The consultant has

already initiated consultation work in Kathmandu and has planned to conduct

groundwork from the beginning of second week of July 2002.

4.5 Community Support Program 4.5.1 Support for Methane Gas Digesters

With an objective of reducing local pressure in the forest resource base of the park and its

buffer zone, the project has actively engaged in promoting biogas program among local

communities residing in the buffer zone and adjacent areas, of the southwestern section.

So far, a total of 85 methane gas digesters have been installed since April 2001 in

different villages of the project area. Support for methane gas digester installation was

also provided among communities living across the river (Gola, Manau,

Khairichandanpur etc) and pose direct pressure on the park as well as on the forest strip

stretched along Geruwa River. The capacity of the digesters ranges from 6 to 10 cubic

meters. Bricks (1500 - 2000) required in installing each digester were provided by the

project as project input. Number and capacities of digesters installed in different VDCs

are given in Table 2.

Table 2. Number of methane gas digesters installed in different VDCs under STF grant.

S # VDCs Wards Capacity in cm3 Total

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4 6 8 10 1 Thakurdwara 7 - 2 - - 22 Suryapatuwa 2, 4, 6, 9 2 3 1 - 63 Shivpur 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 2 13 - 1 164 Gola 1, 4, 7, 8 - 6 1 - 75 Patabhar 1, 2, 3, 6, 9 - 4 2 - 66 Neulapur 1, 2 1 16 - - 177 Khairichandanpur 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 1 7 6 - 148 Manau 2, 3, 6, 7 1 1 4 3 99 Pashupatinagar 1, 2, 5, 6, 8 - 3 3 1 710 Dhodhari 4 - 1 - - 1Total 7 56 17 5 85

In addition, a set of toilet pan was also provided to the farmers that installed the methane

gas digesters with an understanding that the toilets are connected to the biogas plants.

Figure 5. Methane gas digesters have greatly helped to reduce pressure on natural forests.

This has greatly helped to reduce the demand of cattle/buffalo dung and at the same time

helped maintain clean environment in village surroundings. Technical support for

installing biogas plants was obtained form different biogas companies working in the

area.

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4.5.2 Capacity Building for Income Generation

4.5.2.1 Formation of women group

In order to mobilize local women in bio-diversity conservation and community

development efforts in and around RBNP, 9 existing Women Environment Groups

(WEG) were mobilize to conduct a wide range of income generation activities in

Thakurdwara, Suryapatuwa and Shivpur VDCs (Table 3). The major activities

undertaken by these groups include goat keeping, vegetable farming, potato chips

preparation, pig farming, sewing and tailoring training etc, Similarly, a new WEG

consisting of 9 members representing different ethnic groups was formed at Shivpur

village of the Thakurdwara VDC.

Table 3. Name of WEGs supported under STF program and their activities. S # Name of WEGs VDCs Activities undertaken by the groups 1 Shivapur* Thakurdwara 9 Piggery, goat keeping, sewing and tailoring

training, potato chips preparation and bag knitting 2 Badkitanduwa Suryapatuwa 4 Vegetable farming, piggery, goat keeping and

office keeping training 3 Chhotkitanduwa Suryapatuwa 5 Vegetable farming, piggery, goat keeping, sewing

and tailoring training and office keeping training 4 Bindrapuri Thakurdwara 7 Nursery management, vegetable farming and office

management training 5 Banugaon Thakurdwara 8 Goat keeping 6 Bahadurpur Suryapatuwa 2 Vegetable farming, office management training 7 Somalpur Suryapatuwa 2 Goat keeping, office management training 8 Pattharbojhi Suryapatuwa 1 Nursery management, sewing and tailoring

training, office management training 9 Bankhet Shivpur 7 Bag knitting training

10 Sundarbasti Shivpur 9 Piggery * Newly formed group at Thakurdwara

The group members are already engaged in various skill development and income

generating activities, such as potato chips preparation, pig farming and goat keeping.

Besides, the group has requested for financial support to conduct local environment

conservation and health/sanitation programs.

4.5.2.2 Pig keeping

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Pig farming is an old tradition among local indigenous Tharu communities and pig meat

is regarded as delicacy among Tharus. Prior to the intervention of the project, the farmers

relied on traditional pig farming system that barely supported to increase household

income. Pig varieties were from local breed that yielded meat hardly sufficient for large

family consumption. Realizing the potentiality of the pig farming in the area, BCP

launched high breed pig farming program among local farmers, mainly women. So far, a

total of 48 piglets (10 male and 38 female) of highbred variety have been distributed

among the members of WEG in Shivpur, Badki Tanduwa and Chhotkitanduwa under

STF grant. Altogether 10 women in Shivpur, 9 in Badki Tanduwa and 21 in Chhotki

Tanduwa are engaged in commercial pig farming. For the sustainability of the program a

group saving mechanism has also been developed where each member of the group

contributes one third of the newly born piglets or one third of the total income generated

from selling adult pigs to concerned groups to save as group fund. In addition, each

member contributes 10 rupees every month as group saving.

Figure 6. High breed pig farming has become potential source of income among beneficiaries

In collaboration with Agricultural Service Sub-center, a 2-day high breed pig farming

training was also organized within BCP’s premises among 37 members of the pig

farming groups between 16 and 17 May 2002. The course materials delivered during the

training program included importance of high breed pig farming, species selection, feed

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and feeding technique, pens management, techniques for caring newly born piglets and

mother, diseases and their prevention measures and market linkages.

For better management of pig keeping, support was also provided to construct thirty-three

6 ft X 3.5 ft concrete pens. In this, 40 % of the total cost incurred in pen construction was

provided by the project and rest 60 % was borne by the concerned farmer. Each pen

construction costs little over 1000 rupees.

4.5.2.3 Goat keeping

As part of the income generating programs, 3 goat-farming groups were formed in

Shivpur (13 members), Tanduwa (5 members) and Chhotki Tanduwa (6 members) of the

Thakurdwara and Suryapatuwa VDCs and Barbari - local crossbred she-goats (22) have

been made available to each member.

Figure 7. Members of WEG receiving high breed goats for commercial farming

Similarly, 2 highbred breeding males are given to the groups as group property. To

sustain the program in long run each member will contribute one newly born baby goat to

the group as group income. In addition, the members have started saving of 10 rupees per

person per months as a group fund.

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Similarly, a 2-day goat keeping training was organized among 22 members of the goat

keeping groups between 18 and 19 May 2002 to educate the techniques on keeping

highbred goats. Issues related to the animal health and market linkage were also

discussed during the training period.

4.5.2.4 Training on potato chips preparation

A 5-day Training on Chips Preparation was organized between 5 and 9 February 2002

among 20 members of newly formed WEG of Shivpur village of Thakurdwara VDC. One

member from Danfe Bachat Samuha - Thakurdwara also participated in the training. A

local resource person (Ms Harikala Thapa) served as trainer in the training program.

Figure 8. Trainees busy in practical session of potato preparation

A certificate distribution ceremony was organized at the end of the program. RBNP’s

Chief Warden, Mr. Gopal P. Upadhyaya distributed the certificates. In his remarks, Mr.

Upadhyaya highlighted the importance of such training in improving the livelihood of

individual family and the role of these groups in conserving natural resources. Members

of Danfe Bachat Samuha have already started commercial production of potato chips and

supply the product in the local market.

4.5.2.5 Vegetable farming

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Group formation and training

Vegetable farming has been proven as one of the most potential sources of income among

local women in the area. This program has attracted many local women that are basically

engaged in day-to-day household chores. To promote commercial production of

vegetable through local women, BCP has been supporting various women groups of the

project area to initiate vegetable farming. Recently 3 Vegetable Farming Groups (VFG)

of Bahadurpur and Chhotki Tanduwa villages of Suryapatuwa VDC were supported both

financially and technically to initiate vegetable cultivation. A total of 45 women that were

benefited from the project have new started selling vegetables in the local market. As

among other income generating groups, each member of VFG of Suryapatuwa VDC

contributes 50 rupees per month as group saving.

In addition, BCP in collaboration with District Agricultural Service Office, Guleria,

organized a two days Training on Summer Vegetable Farming among 36 women farmers

between 23 and 24 May 2002. Detail knowledge on importance of summer vegetable,

land preparation, selection of appropriate seeds, integrated vegetable management

system; vegetable diseases and preventive measures were discussed during the training

period. Mr. Khalid Ahmed Khan, Chief Agricultural Development Officer and Mr.

Sudhir Shrestha, Horticulture Development Officer from District Agriculture Service

Office, Bardia were invited to serve as resource persons.

Similarly, a two-day training on Off Season Vegetable Farming was also organized

between 17 and 18 January 2002 among 29 women members of Women Saving Group of

the Bindrapuri village. Subject matters taught during the training included introduction

and importance of off- season vegetable farming, preparation of land, selection of seed,

techniques for nursery production, management of nursery, vegetable disease and

prevention measures. At the end of the training session, the participants were taken to the

field for practical work. Mr. Tirtha R. Paudel and Bijaya Chaudhari from the Agricultural

Service Sub-Center, Thakurdwara served as resource persons.

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Figure 9. Off-season vegetable farming training organized within BCP premises

4.5.2.6 Sewing and tailoring training

Three 3-month sewing and tailoring trainings were organized among 63 local women of

Pathharbhoji (23), Shivpur (26) and Chhotkitanduwa (15) villages under STF supported

habitat extension program. Of these, Chhotkitanduwa group has already completed the

training program where as other two groups are nearing to completion. Certificate

distribution ceremony for Chhotkitanduwa was organized at the end of June. With an

objective of retaining the skill learned during the training, 10 sewing machines were

provided to the trainees at a subsidized price. Local trainers were used to conduct all

three trainings.

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Figure 10. Distribution of sewing machine helps to retain sewing skills

4.5.2.7 Bag knitting training

As demanded by WEG of Shivpur VDC, a small grant was provided to conduct bag

knitting training program and weeklong bag knitting training is completed and the

progress report has already been submitted to BCP. The training was conducted from 15

to 21 March 2002 among 25 members and certificate was distributed on 10 June 2002.

Figure 11. DNPWC’s Director General distributing the certificates among trainees

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Dr. Swambhuman Amatya, Director General of the Department of National Parks and

Wildlfie Conservation was the chief guest of the ceremony and distributed the

certificates.

During his remarks Dr. Amatya encouraged participants to support the endeavor of

biodiversity conservation and insisted them to be equally active in improving the

livelihood of the family. Mr. Shyam Sundar Bajimaya, Chief Ecologist was also present

in the ceremony.

Similarly, a weeklong (16 and 22 June 2002) bag knitting training was also organized

among 24 women of the Sivapur village. The certificate distribution ceremony was

organized at the end of the training program.

4.5.2.8 Fish farming

Fish farming has emerged as a new income generating activity in the area. Realizing high

demand from the local farmers financial and technical assistance have been extended for

promoting fish farming in the area. To effectively conduct this program, two fish farming

groups consisting of a total of 18 members were formed in Thakurdwara and

Suryapatuwa VDCs and a two-day intensive training was organized in collaboration with

District Agricultural Service Office (DASO), Bardia to educate farmer on systematic fish

farming. Mr. Khalid Ahmed Khan and Basir Ahmed Khan from DASO, Bardia served as

the main resource persons.

Introduction on fish farming, site selection and preparation of fishpond, techniques of fish

farming, knowledge on predators and control measures, importance of artificial and

natural feed, paddy-field fish farming, examining water quality, common diseases and

preventive measures, marketing of fish product etc. were discussed during the training

period. At the end of the training fish fries of silver carp, grass carp, big head, common

carp, Rohu and Naini varieties were distributed through DASO to each member of the

group. To sustain this program in long run, the group has created a revolving fund from

seed money granted by the project. The fund will be mobilized for better management of

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fishponds and purchasing of additional fish fries, medicines, quality feed etc. In addition,

10 rupees per person per month is contributed by each member as group saving.

4.5.3 Training to Local Naturalist A weeklong training on Wildlife Monitoring Technique was organized between 31 May

and 6 June 2002 within BCP’s premises. A total of 12 senior naturalists representing 12

different local tourist lodges participated the program. The main objective of the training

program was to develop wildlife-monitoring skills among local naturalists. The training

program was basically concentrated on various techniques of wildlife survey with a

particular emphasis on tiger monitoring.

Figure 12. Senior naturalists setting infrared camera devices to photograph tigers

All commonly used techniques, such as use of infrared camera devices, use of radio

telemetry, pugmark tracing, direct observation, waterhole count etc used to monitor large

cats were thoroughly discussed during the training. Field practice on different tools and

equipments was also made during the last part of the training program. Dr.

Swayambhuman Amatya, Director General of DNPWC distributed the certificates during

a certificate distribution ceremony organized at the end of the training.

Similarly, a weeklong study tour program was supported by the project. The main

objective of the tour was to make local naturalists aware of various eco-tourism activities

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conducted by KMTNC’s Annapurna Conservation Project and Biodiversity Conservation

Center, Chitwan. Altogether 14 naturalists participated in tour program. During the tour,

the group also got an opportunity to visit Pokhara, one of the most popular tourist

destinations in Nepal.

4.5.4. Users Group Exposure Visit A one-day exposure trip was organized for the members of vegetable farming group of

Bindrapuri, Chhotkitanduwa, Badkitanduwa and Bahadurpur villages of the project area.

The group consisting of 25 women and 3 men were taken to Hirminia VDC, Banke

District to observe off-season vegetable farming. Hirminia, located ca 10 km southeast

from Nepalganj is reputed for vegetable farming and is developed as a model Integrated

Vegetable Farming Site by the District Agriculture Development Office, Banke. As

reported by the group, over 150 ha of arable land has been intensively utilized for

vegetable farming. The vegetable grown in Hirminia is marketed to Nepalganj and

nearby Indian bazaar.

Similarly, a weeklong exposure visit was also organized among 22 local women from

Ward 7, 8 and 9 of Thakurdwara and Ward 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of Suryapatuwa VDCs. All

women taken to the exposure tour were the members of 8 different WEGs and are

actively engaged in various income generating activities. During the tour, women had an

opportunity to observe a wide range of conservation and income generating activities

conducted by local communities of Madanpokhara (Palpa District), Chaugada

(Makawanpur District), Bhandara and Sauraha (Chitwan District) and Bhairahawa

(Rupandehi District). The income generating activities observed by the group included

vegetable farming, organic coffee farming and processing, fish farming, sericulture,

horticulture, farming of non-timber forest species and farming of high breed livestock. In

addition, the group also had an opportunity of observing plant nurseries and community

forestry programs.

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Figure 13. Women group in their exposure tour at Palpa

During the visit, interaction programs were organized to share experiences with different

individuals, groups, users committees, local government institutions and conservation

oriented non-government organizations. Exposure visit was organized between 29 May

and 4 June 2002.

4.5.5. Crop Damage Minimization

Damage to agricultural crops, loss of life and property damage by marauding wild

animals has badly affected the livelihood of local people residing along the park

boundary. The park animals, particularly rhinoceros, elephant, spotted deer, wild boar,

blue bull and monkeys inhabiting along the border of the park enter the cultivated field

and raid crops of all varieties – rice, maize, wheat, mustard, lentil and vegetables grown

in the kitchen garden. Similarly, the large predators, mainly leopard frequently lift

livestock resting in the shed at night and while grazing in the forest areas. Tigers also

frequently kill livestock (cattle and buffalo) grazing in the forest. Elephants, in addition

to crop raiding damage houses. Furthermore, a number of people are attacked, injured or

killed by tiger and leopard. The wildlife damage to crop and property, and local

harassment has ultimately created negative attitudes towards the conservation of

mammals including megaherbivores like rhinoceros and elephants.

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To minimize crop damage by wild animals KMTNC through its Bardia Conservation

Program has been experimenting a wide range of techniques that include digging deep

trenches, bio fencing, solar power fencing etc. Of these, solar power fencing has been

proven an effective means to prevent animals entering into the field. The solar fencing

system consists of solar fencer magnum that generates power and discharges electric

pulses in short intervals. The pulses are then passed through a thin galvanized aluminum

cable. Realizing the effectiveness of solar fence, the project has purchased three fencer

magnums and other necessary materials (insulators, cable, nails etc).

The fencing materials (magnum and cable) will be provided by the project where as the

labor cost for establishing the fence and cost for wooden post will be borne by the

communities. After the installation of the fencing system the concerned communities will

take overall management responsibilities. Based on the information from field survey, the

solar power fence will be erected in three different hot spots along the park boundary:

Betani, Thakurdwara/Shivpur, Chitkaiya/Gobrela all located in the southwestern section

of the park.

4.5.6 Capacity Building for Local CBOs A two-day training was organized among 16 members of 8 WEG on Office Management

and Account Keeping. Chairpersons and Secretary of WEGs from Ward 7, 8 and 9 of

Thakurdwara and Ward 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of Suryapatwa VDCs attained the training

program. At the end of the session, a medium seized metal trunk consisting of office

materials such as files, punching machines, calculators, staplers, envelops, registers,

white papers, ball pen, pencils etc were handed over by the Senior Women Development

Officer to the eight WEGs that participated in the training program.

Similarly, support has also been extended to the Buffer Zone Council to construct

additional two rooms on existing office building. The necessary materials have already

been purchased and construction work will soon be started.

4.5.7 Conservation Education

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4.5.7.1 Support to local schools To promote conservation education in the area, 2 one-day workshops were organized

among students of Nepal Rastria Primary School (23 May 2002) and Prithbi Primary

School (24 May 2002) of Thakurdwara VDC. Altogether, 300 school children including

145 girls participated in the workshop. To conduct conservation education program

regularly, Student Environment Groups (SEG) have been formed in both schools. As

demanded by the SEGs and school authorities, conservation education materials were

made available to newly formed as well as existing SEGs of different schools.

Figure 14. Conservation education session at a local primary school

In addition, Conservation Education Teacher Mr. Basudev Bhattarai was hired for six

months (November 2001 – April 2002) to conduct conservation education classes in

Manjushree Shishu Batika Secondary School and Surya Primary School of Suryapatuwa

VDC. During his tenure, Mr. Bhattarai focused his effort in strengthening the existing

student environment groups and organized a number of outdoor trips to make school kids

aware of the surrounding environment.

Similarly, supports have also been extended to Prithbi Primary School, Thakurdwara to

establish plantation within the school premises. For this, fencing materials and plant

xxxviii

saplings of different species are provided. Students and teachers will carry out the fencing

and plantation work.

4.5.7.2 Conservation education mobile camps and training

With an objective of spreading conservation messages (particularly on bird conservation)

among local school kids, mobile camps have been arranged. A total of 3000 school

children from 17 different schools of the project area will directly be benefited from this

program. The program will be continued until the end of July 2002.

Figure 15. A glimpse of conservation education mobile camp

Similarly, environment conservation training was organized between 14 and 15 June

2002 among 30 school children from 4 different schools of Thakurdwara and

Suryapatuwa VDCs. Introduction on environment, challenges and obstacles in

environment conservation, basic concept on biodiversity and protected areas of Nepal

were discussed during first day session. The second day session covered different issues

of avifauna conservation including knowledge on protected bird species of Nepal,

important habitats for bird life, bird identification techniques and role of student

environment groups in avifauna conservation.

4.5.7.3 Celebration of world environment day

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Poem Competition Program was organized on the occasion of World Environment Day

2002 among the schoolteachers of the project area. The theme of the poem was

environment conservation. A total of 12 poems were recited during the program. At the

end of the program, Mr. Barna B. Thapa, RBNP’s Assistant Warden distributed prizes for

the best three poems.

Figure 16. Poem competition during world environment day, 5 June 2002

4.5.7.4 Shepherd Education

To promote conservation awareness among shepherd, regular classes have been

conducted in the project area. So far, a nine-month shepherd class is completed in

Pathharbojhi area where 15 shepherds of 8 to 13 years of age attended the class. The

shepherd education package was combined with non-formal education. Necessary

education materials (copy, pencil, chalk, duster) were provided by the project.

Similarly, in collaboration with Shivpur - Bhandrahawa Users Committee a nine-month

shepherd class has recently been initiated in the Shivpur area of the Thakurdwara VDC

where 25 shepherds of 8 - 15 years of age are regularly attending the classes. The classes

are conducted in the evening time. Education and sports materials have been provided by

the project.

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Figure 17. Shepherd education has become an effective means to disseminate conservation messages 4.5.7.5 Workshop on preventive measures against aggressive wildlife

With an objective of preparing guideline on protecting from aggressive wild animals a

two-day (13-14 June 2002) workshop on “Safety Measures to Protect from Aggressive

Wild Animals of Nepal’s lowland” was organized within the BCP premises. A total of 26

persons including senior wildlife technicians, senior wildlife tracker, senior naturalists,

senior game scouts, ranger and biologists participated in the workshop. During the

workshop, the participants were divided into three groups to identify the major aggressive

animals, their behavior during encounter/attack, and way of attack and techniques to

protect from the attack. Major aggressive animals identified to cause physical harm to

people include rhinoceros, elephants, tiger, leopard, sloth bear and snakes. The first draft

of the guideline has already been prepared and is circulated among concerned personnel

for reviewing.

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Figure 18. Participants discussing on preventive measures against wildlife attack

4.5.8 Health and Sanitation

4.5.8.1 Eye camp

In collaboration with Nepal Red Cross branch office, Thakurdwara a one-day eye camp

was organized on 12 June 2002 at Thakurdwara. Eye specialists from Nepal Red Cross

District Office examined a total of about 300 patients having eye problems. Of these, 40

were identified having cataract and were referred for immediate operation. As prescribed,

the patients were sent to the Fattewal Eye Hospital, Nepalganj for operation. The project

contributed a total sum of 30,000 rupees as project contribution for operating 30 patients.

All cases were successfully operated and the patients have now fully recovered with

improved eyesight.

4.5.8.2 Training on women and reproductive health

A one-day training was arranged for 16 women health volunteers of Ward 7, 8 and 9 of

Thakurdwara and Ward 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of Suryapatuwa VDCs. The workshop was held

within BCP’s premises on 9th June 2002. The purpose of the training was to enhance the

knowledge on child and mother health, women reproductive health, use and effectiveness

of temporary means of family planning. At the end of the training program a medical kit

consisting of a book on “Where there is no Doctor, weighing machine, temporary means

xlii

of family planning, scissor, forceps, thermometer and general medicines for cold,

diarrhea, pains (analgesics), fever (antipyretic) and ointments etc was handed over to

health workers. A small metal box was also provided for health worker to safely carry

medicines and equipment while visiting the patients.

Figure 19. DNPWCs Director General distributing medicine kit to local health workers

4.5.8.3 Village sanitation campaign

A large-scale village sanitation campaign has been initiated in collaboration with

Banugaon User Committee in Baugaon village of Thakurdwara VDC. Under this

program, support has been extended to install low cost toilets among poor families,

mainly the indigenous Tharus. The main objective of the program is to improve the

sanitation in the village surroundings. So far, a total of 32 toilets have been constructed.

This program will be continued to provide toilets to other remaining households of

Banugaon and neighboring villages. The sanitation campaign in Banugaon is combined

with village greenery program where community will carryout roadside plantation. The

necessary plant saplings of diverse species will be provided free of cost.

4.5.8.4 Health post support

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A small grant of 30,000 rupees has been granted to Nikunj Community Health Post,

(NCHP) Thakurdwara to upgrade the existing laboratory. As per the proposal submitted

by NCHP the grant will be used to purchase electrical centrifugal machine and office

materials. NCHP has regularly been providing general health services including Direct

Observation Treatment Service (DOTS) for tuberculosis patients. Health camps (eye, ear,

family planning) are also organized through the center. The only health service center

with adequate medicine at subsidized prices, NCHP is jointly managed by RBNP and

KMTNC’s Bardia Conservation Program and directly benefit for over 15000 - 20000

local people of the area.